Supporters rally behind medical council as it pursues records of former prime minister’s extended hospital stay
PUBLISHED : 15 Jan 2025 at 18:59
Students and civil society organizations have shown solidarity with the Medical Council of Thailand as it seeks access to medical records of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra from the Police General Hospital. This request is part of an ongoing investigation into potential violations of medical ethics.
The council has set a deadline for Wednesday for the hospital to submit the necessary medical records pertaining to the former premier’s treatment.
The council is demanding comprehensive details regarding Thaksin’s admission, treatment procedures, a list of all doctors involved, their statements, and all certified documents associated with his six-month hospitalization.
At 75 years old, Thaksin received an original eight-year prison sentence, later commuted to one year by royal pardon, after his return to Thailand in August. He did not spend any nights in jail and was eligible for parole after six months.
While inmates can receive external medical treatment for up to 120 days, the Department of Corrections permitted Thaksin to remain hospitalized for an extended 180 days, citing concerns over his health if he were incarcerated.
It was reported in November that Thaksin covered all expenses for his hospital stay, including significant costs for a VIP room.
Pichit Chaimongkol, leader of the Network of Students and People for Reform of Thailand, voiced support for the medical council’s investigation into Thaksin’s prolonged hospital stay. He urged the Ministry of Public Health to refrain from obstructing the investigation or undermining the accountability of involved parties.
“Allowing this issue to lapse would jeopardize the integrity of the country’s justice system,” he asserted.
Chaimongkol indicated that if the police fail to provide the necessary medical records, the group would mobilize at Government House to seek intervention from Thaksin’s daughter, the current Prime Minister. He emphasized that the government must adhere to the rule of law.
A legal representative from the Medical Council expressed gratitude towards the supportive groups on Wednesday.
Should the hospital not comply with the request for Thaksin’s records, the council’s investigative committee will review available information or potentially seek input from other state entities.
