Thai court probes Thaksin Shinawatra’s prison sentence validity
The Supreme Court’s Criminal Case Division for Persons Holding Political Positions has launched an investigation into whether Thaksin Shinawatra has served his prison sentence.
This decision followed the dismissal of a petition by former Democrat MP Charnchai Issarasenarak, who questioned whether Thaksin’s admission to Police General Hospital and subsequent stay until parole constituted serving his sentence in a real prison.
The court determined that Charnchai was not an affected party in the case and dismissed his petition. However, the court acknowledged its authority to investigate allegations concerning Thaksin’s prison sentence.
The court has directed the governor of Bangkok Remand Prison, the director-general of the Department of Corrections, and the director-general of Police General Hospital to provide clarifications within 30 days regarding Thaksin’s prison sentence as ordered by the court.
The Supreme Court’s Criminal Case Division for Persons Holding Political Positions is scheduled to begin the hearing at 9.30am on June 13, as reported by Bangkok Post.
Thaksin returned to Thailand on August 22, 2023, after over 15 years in self-exile. Upon his return, he was sentenced to eight years in prison across three cases related to abuse of authority and conflict of interest during his tenure as prime minister before 2006. This sentence was later reduced to one year through royal clemency.
After his arrival in Thailand, Thaksin was taken to Bangkok Remand Prison but was moved to Police General Hospital just 13 hours later, on the night of August 22. He remained in the hospital until he was paroled early in 2024, raising questions about whether he received privileged treatment.
Critics demanded evidence of Thaksin’s illness, noting his health appeared improved shortly after leaving Police General Hospital. The Medical Council of Thailand has also initiated an investigation into this matter.
During a recent censure debate, the opposition questioned the validity of Thaksin’s illness. Officials have cited patient confidentiality and potential risks to Thaksin’s life if he were to return to prison as reasons for their actions.
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