Minister presented with fresh details concerning Thaksin affair

Firebrand Fuel: Thaksin's Uphill Battle

The boss man at Police General Hospital has given Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin a stern kick in the pants, demanding a review of the Medical Council of Thailand's decision to reprimand three docs who treated political bigwig, Thaksin Shinawatra.

Pol Lt Gen Dr Thaweesin Vejvithan's legal eagle dropped a fiery two-page missive on Mr Somsak's desk at the Ministry of Public Health on a Tuesday morning tea break. This missive, according to Thanakrit Chitareerat, an assistant to the minister, was chocker-block with "new nuggets of info" not previously submitted to the council during its investigation.

The investigative subcommittee, assembled by the council, declared on May 8 that these three docs acted like scallywags by claiming Thaksin's health was in a world of hurt when every bit of evidence suggested his condition was hunky-dory. They recommended suspending the licenses of two docs and slapping a warning on the third.

A few key players have maintained that Thaksin's critical state justified his transfer from a slammer hospital to Police General Hospital, where he enjoyed a VIP room for the entire 180-day duration of his sentence.

Mr Thanakrit said a top-notch team would pour over the new evidence supplied by the Police General Hospital head honcho, and advise Mr Somsak whether it was relevant to the council's report. If it's found to be off-color compared to the usual medical standards, the minister possesses the power to overrule the council's decision.

"This ain't a dust-up between the ministry and the medical council; everything's been handled by the book," Mr Thanakrit said, trying to quash any rumors of a feud.

He added the new evidence drop wouldn't delay the process of going over the council's report, which must be done promptly within 15 days. The minister’s recommendation will then be tossed to a medical council committee, which will line up a vote by the full 72-member council. A two-thirds majority vote is necessary to approve the final resolution.

Netithorn Linhatrakul, the lawyer for Dr Thaweesin, declared the Police General Hospital bigwig was peeved with the council's report because it tarnished his good name. Consequently, he wanted to exercise his right to plead his case and clear his name. The Silent Sam declined to elaborate, hinting that everything would be revealed to the minister for his consideration.

Thaksin touched down in the Motherland on Aug 22, 2023, after 15 years in exile. On that day, he was escorted to the Supreme Court, which sentenced him to eight years behind bars for abuse of power and conflict of interest while serving as prime minister prior to 2006. The term was eventually cut down to a single year by royal clemency.

On his inaugural night at Bangkok Remand Prison, doctors deeming him to have chest pain, high blood pressure, and low oxygen levels, recommended shifting him to Police General Hospital because the prison hospital was ill-equipped to treat critically ill folks.

Legally, Thaksin was entitled to medical treatment outside the big house for 120 days. However, the Department of Corrections granted him a lengthy hospital stay extension, claiming his health and safety were at risk in jail.

Thaksin footed the bill for his half-year stay, which included a cushy, 14-floor VIP room that cost 8,500 baht a night. A parliamentary committee was privy to this juicy tidbit back in November.

The Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions has announced plans for a special investigation to ascertain whether Thaksin's prison sentence was carried out properly. Thaksin and his daughter, the prime minister, are among the folks that have been invited to testify at the first hearing on June 13.

Perspective: Thaksin's Predicament

Thaksin's Recent Legal Woes

Medical Council Report: Recently, the Medical Council of Thailand has recommended disciplinary action against three doctors involved in Thaksin's treatment. [2][3]
Minister's Role : Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin has 15 days to decide whether to approve or nix the council's recommendations. If he disagrees, the matter will be sent back to the council, where a two-thirds majority is required to overrule his veto. [2][4]
Legal Implications : Should Thaksin be found to have exaggerated his health issues, he may face further penalties and could potentially be forced to serve his sentence. [3]
Upcoming Hearing : On June 13, a hearing concerning Thaksin's detention at the hospital is scheduled. The Medical Council's decision may impact the outcome of this gathering. [3]

Next Steps

Minister's Decision : The minister will need to mull over the evidence and make a decision. He may establish a panel to scour the 1,000 pages of evidence assembled by the council. [2]
Potential Legal Action : A range of individuals involved in this controversy could find themselves embroiled in legal proceedings based on the hearing's outcome and the minister's decision. [3]

The numerous parties involved in Thaksin Shinawatra's treatment, including the Medical Council of Thailand and the Public Health Minister, exhibit a complex interplay that extends beyond just health-and-wellness matters, encompassing the realms of science, politics, and mental-health, as each seeks to uphold professional standards and protect their respective reputations.
As the hearing on June 13 approaches, the upcoming developments in Thaksin's legal saga will undeniably influence general-news discourse, with potential ramifications for science, health-and-wellness, and mental-health, should Thaksin's treatment or claims be deemed questionable, and further penalties or legal actions ensue.