PUBLISHED : 25 Aug 2023 at 05:03
The Justice Ministry has denied media reports that former premier Thaksin Shinawatra has been transferred from the Police General Hospital to a privately run facility.
Sahakan Phetnarin, the ministry’s deputy permanent secretary, on Thursday insisted that Thaksin was not transferred to a privately run hospital as reported, but the ministry cannot provide a picture of the former prime minister as an inmate or a patient as proof due to his rights.
“Thaksin remains in the custody of a prison although he is being treated at the Police General Hospital,” Mr Sahakan said.
He said he is also confident that the Police General Hospital has better equipment to treat Thaksin, in line with a memorandum of understanding on the transfer of patients signed between the Department of Corrections and the Royal Thai Police. During treatment in the hospital, Thaksin is guarded by four prison staff for his safety, he said.
He stressed that Thaksin has underlying illnesses, including ischemic cardiomyopathy, hypertension, pulmonary fibrosis and spondylosis.
Under the regulations, the number of family members and relatives allowed to visit Thaksin must not exceed 10, he said. They must inform Bangkok Remand Prison in advance before visiting Thaksin during treatment in hospital, he said.
Visits in the first five days are prohibited due to a quarantine, he said, adding aside from family members, only important persons, such as diplomats, are allowed to visit. Doctors will determine if Thaksin is well enough to return to prison, he said.
Nastee Thongplad, chief of Bangkok Remand Prison, said 10 people have requested to see Thaksin, but the details were withheld.
A police source said that Pol Maj Gen Nakarin Sukhonthawit, commander of the Metropolitan Police Division 6, has received a request from Pathumwan police station, asking for a deployment of officers to help ensure Thaksin’s safety during his treatment in hospital from Aug 24 to 31.
When asked about Thaksin’s treatment, Pol Lt Gen Dr Sophonrat Singhajaru, chief physician of the Police General Hospital, said he would meet with a team to get an update on the ex-prime minister.