Slow progress in Thaksin hospital aid probe due to limited info
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) reported that the investigation into allegations of government officials aiding former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in obtaining medical treatment at the Police General Hospital (PGH), bypassing prison detention, is progressing slowly due to limited access to information.
Saroj Phungramphan, the NACC Secretary General, stated yesterday, March 23, that their team is gathering evidence, including witness testimonies and documents, by reaching out to various agencies.
“The investigation also involves site visits, with witnesses confirming essential details to uncover the reasons behind the former prime minister’s unusually extended stay.
“However, some information remains inaccessible due to legal protections. The investigation team must adhere to legal procedures, and this is causing delays.”
Regarding whether the Department of Corrections and PGH have submitted the necessary documents, Saroj confirmed partial compliance but expressed uncertainty about their completeness.
He noted that the NACC cannot dictate the evidence quantity required for a ruling, leaving that decision to the investigation team.
Saroj mentioned that the case could conclude rapidly once all evidence is collected. If sufficient evidence is available to file charges, the case will proceed; otherwise, the investigation will end, and findings will be presented to the NACC for further evaluation, reported Bangkok Post.
Thaksin, initially sentenced to eight years in prison across three cases before royal clemency reduced the term to one year, stayed in a premium ward on the 14th floor of the hospital for roughly six months last year.
The 75 year old former PM was released on parole from PGH on February 18, completing his one-year prison sentence on August 31.
In related news, Thaksin’s commitment to ending the unrest in southern Thailand by next year has sparked concerns and led to inquiries regarding the government’s actual strategies to address the situation, according to a political scholar from Thammasat University.
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