Thaksin hospital release: Justice Minister denies misconduct
Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong remained resolute, shrugging off the latest petition urging the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to delve into the ministry’s alleged misconduct surrounding Thaksin Shinawatra’s hospital release and parole.
Police Colonel Tawee reiterated the ministry’s adherence to regulations governing prisoner treatment outside confinement and parole eligibility. However, he acknowledged citizens’ rights to petition the NACC if they perceive any misconduct, responding to the latest plea submitted by groups led by Thai Pakdee Party leader Warong Dechgitvigrom.
Accompanying the petition was a confidential document claimed by Dr Warong to be the findings of an informal Ombudsman probe into the ministry’s actions. Despite a prior rejection, the Ombudsman conducted an unofficial investigation, revealing discrepancies in Thaksin’s transfer to the Police General Hospital last August, Dr Warong alleged.
Disputing the department’s assertion that Thaksin’s condition warranted parole, Dr Warong highlighted regulations stipulating irreversibility in health conditions, a criterion allegedly unmet in Thaksin’s case.
In response, the department defended its actions, citing Thaksin’s deteriorating health as assessed by health authorities, reported Bangkok Post.
Every step, from hospital transfer to early release, was justified and lawful, the department asserted.
ORIGINAL STORY: Thaksin Shinawatra’s ‘secret’ health scandal
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra‘s health condition has sparked controversy, with conflicting reports emerging about his fitness. Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong claims Thaksin’s health is dire, but questions arise after photos surfaced of him lifting weights.
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s health has become the centre of a heated debate after Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong asserted his deteriorating condition. Tawee’s remarks came amid mounting criticism from Warong Dechgitvigrom, chairman of the Thai Pakdee Party, questioning Thaksin’s early release on parole.
Warong’s doubts surfaced when Thaksin’s daughter, Pheu Thai Party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra, shared images of Thaksin engaging in physical activities at his Bangkok mansion. Warong argued that Thaksin’s ability to lift dumbbells contradicted parole eligibility criteria.
However, Tawee defended the decision, citing medical advice indicating that Thaksin’s exercises were therapeutic post-surgery. According to Tawee, doctors recommended aqua therapy to aid Thaksin’s shoulder muscle recovery.
The controversy deepened when Warong claimed an investigative report alleged Thaksin’s prolonged hospital stay breached correctional regulations. Yet, confusion ensued when a reporter misinterpreted the report as a medical assessment, prompting Tawee to deny knowledge of any medical files’ leak, reported The Nation.
Despite the uproar, Tawee reaffirmed the Corrections Department’s reliance on medical expertise in proposing Thaksin’s parole.
