Rising legal implications for Thaksin in hospital dispute case
Rewritten Article:
The Medical Council of Thailand (MCT) recently took action against three doctors involved in former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's stay at the Police General Hospital, sparking concerns that the upcoming hearing on the controversy might be impacted.
Previously, the Supreme Court launched an investigation into Thaksin's detention at the hospital due to concerns about the enforcement of his prison sentence. The investigation came after Thaksin's unexpected transfer to the hospital only hours after being sent to prison in August 2023.
The MCT announced that the three doctors - one was given a formal warning, while the other two had their medical licenses suspended - for providing inaccurate medical information and documents. The council decided that the available evidence did not support the claim that Thaksin was critically ill during his hospital stay.
According to Prof Dr Prasit Watanapa, the council's vice-president, the decision will be sent to Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin for further consideration and approval.
Political science lecturer at Burapha University, Olarn Thinbangtieo, stated that the MCT's decision could have legal implications for Thaksin. He explained that if it is proven that Thaksin was not seriously ill and his illness was just an excuse to avoid jail time, it would be considered as though he did not serve his sentence.
Olarn also indicated that officials involved in the controversy might face legal action, while Thaksin may face additional penalties for contempt of court. He also suggested that the case might take some time due to efforts to delay proceedings by senior Pheu Thai Party member Somsak.
Credibility concern
The MCT's decision could also affect the image of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, as senior party figures, including Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, had previously been vocal about Thaksin's critical illness. Olarn stated that if the party fails to provide witnesses to support their claims, their credibility could be affected. He also pointed out that the Department of Corrections and the prosecution's credibility may be challenged if they cannot provide evidence to support their decision about Thaksin's illness.
Pol Gen Sereepisuth Temeeyaves, the leader of the Seriruamthai Party, stated that the MCT's action implies that Thaksin was not critically ill, eliminating the need for National Anti Corruption Commission (NACC) to demand Thaksin's medical records. The NACC is currently investigating officials accused of giving Thaksin VIP treatment at the police hospital.
Thaksin was sentenced to eight years in prison, later reduced to one year by a royal pardon, for abuse of power while in office before August 2023. He never spent a night in jail and was eligible for parole after six months. The Department of Corrections allowed Thaksin to continue his stay at the hospital for 180 days, claiming that prison conditions could threaten his life. Thaksin paid all the costs for his six-month stay, which included a VIP room on the hospital's 14th floor that cost 8,500 baht a night.
Pol Gen Sereepisuth also suggested an ethics probe against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and some cabinet ministers who insisted Thaksin was critically ill. He further speculated on an early House dissolution as a possible result of this case.
'It's simple!'
People's Party list-MP Rangsiman Rome commented on Facebook that the MCT's decision aligns with the findings of the National Human Rights Commission. He said that the situation is not complicated and it shows that the government prioritizes helping Thaksin and undermining the justice administration system.
Legal expert Paisal Puechmongkol suggested that the prepared transfer document before Thaksin's medical examination could be used to support the claim about his "virtual" illness. He also mentioned that the doctors involved in Thaksin's transfer and treatment might face further action.
Paiboon Nititawan, secretary-general of the Palang Pracharath Party, stated that the MCT's findings are crucial evidence in the Supreme Court's inquiry, and those who are called to give clarifications to the court cannot lie.
Meanwhile, Somsak stated that he has 15 days to consider the MCT's decision, and he has yet to receive it. Shinawatra refused to comment on this matter.
Insights:The Medical Council of Thailand's action against doctors involved in Thaksin's hospital stay may have legal and political implications. Legal implications include the discrediting of medical evidence in ongoing proceedings, the impact on Thaksin's legal status, and the potential for additional penalties. Political implications include affecting the public's trust in the healthcare system, political institutions, and political leaders; exacerbating political tensions and instability; and providing ammunition for political adversaries. Officials may face legal actions as well, and the situation could influence the behavior of political parties.
- The Medical Council of Thailand's decision to discipline doctors involved in Thaksin Shinawatra's medical case could have legal implications, as it might be used to challenge the enforcement of Thaksin's prison sentence.
- Political science experts suggest that if it is proven that Thaksin was not seriously ill and his illness was just an excuse, it could be seen as him not serving his sentence, potentially leading to additional penalties.
- The MCT's decision could also affect the credibility of the Pheu Thai Party, especially if senior party figures cannot provide witnesses to support their claims about Thaksin's critical illness.
- In the general news and crime-and-justice sector, there are concerns about the Department of Corrections and the prosecution's credibility, as they may be challenged to provide evidence supporting their decisions about Thaksin's illness.
- The MCT's action implies that Thaksin Shinawatra was not critically ill, possibly eliminating the need for further investigations by the National Anti Corruption Commission into the issue of VIP treatment at the police hospital.
- The MCT's findings are significant pieces of evidence in the Supreme Court's inquiry, and those who are called to give clarifications to the court cannot lie, according to the secretary-general of the Palang Pracharath Party.
