Rising legal implications for Thaksin in the hospital dispute

Rising legal implications for Thaksin in the hospital dispute

Heck, let's dive into the buzz surrounding Thaksin Shinawatra's hospital shenanigans! The powers that be in Thailand's Medical Council have kicked three docs to the kerb due to their supposed role in Thaksin's stay at the Police General Hospital.

The high-ups at the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions thought it'd be a grand idea to investigate Thaksin's detention at the hospital because they had their doubts if he served his full time in the slammer; it seemed like a fancy hospital suite was more his style.

A few days ago, the Medical Council decided to slap some severe consequences on the three doctors, one got a talking-to, while the other two were left out in the cold with suspended medical licenses for fooling around with Thaksin's medical records and docs.

Apparently, the available information didn't support the claim that Thaksin was close to death's door when he was transferred to the hospital in August 2023, just hours after being tossed into the big house. It's all being investigated, and it's a mess, y'all!

Prof Dr Prasit Watanapa, the council's VP, said the decision will be sent to Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin for the final thumbs-up or thumbs-down.

Now, Olarn Thinbangtieo, a political science boffin at Burapha Uni, chimed in that the council's decision could stir up a legal storm for Thaksin.

He said if it's proven that Thaksin's illness excuse was just a smokescreen to avoid jail, he'd have to serve the rest of his time. Officials involved in the controversy could also face legal action, and Thaksin might even get hit with an extra penalty for making a fool of the court.

This mess is a double whammy for the ruling Pheu Thai Party, too. Senior party folks, including Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, made a song and dance about Thaksin's critical condition. If they can't provide any witnesses, their credibility is as good as gone. The Department of Corrections and the prosecution could also find themselves in hot water over how they determined Thaksin was ill.

The Medical Council's decision aligns with the National Human Rights Commission's findings. Rangsiman Rome, a People's Party rep, said it's all pretty straightforward: if Thaksin is found to have been playing hooky, it's clear that the government's top priority is to help him and ignore the law.

Legal whiz Paisal Puechmongkol thinks Thaksin's transfer document was cooked up before his medical exam, which could be used as evidence. The docs involved in Thaksin's hospitalization could also face further action. Demonstrating the seriousness of the matter, Paiboon Nititawan, secretary-general, Palang Pracharath Party, asserted that the Medical Council's findings are crucial for the upcoming Supreme Court inquiry.

But there's then Dezzie-Do, Somsak, who's yet to receive the decision from the Medical Council. Won't come as a surprise if he drags his feet to give Thaksin more time to prepare his defense.

And let me tell ya, folks, this ain't a one-and-done type situation. It's a complicated legal melee with political undertones, and it's far from over. Strap in for a wild ride, because things are gonna get messy!

Credibility on the line

So here's a lowdown on the political quagmire at play: The Medical Council's decision to discipline doctors involved in Thaksin's hospitalization has some pretty significant consequences for the ruling Pheu Thai Party. Senior party figures who made statements regarding Thaksin's critical condition could tarnish the party's reputation if they can't provide witnesses to support their claims. The Department of Corrections and prosecution have to back up their claims, or their credibility will be called into question.

The scrutiny surrounding Thaksin could lead to a weakening of the relationship between the ruling Pheu Thai Party and coalition partners.

Pol Gen Sereepisuth Temeeyaves, the leader of the Seriruamthai Party, reckons the Medical Council's action means Thaksin wasn't actually sick and that there's no need for the National Anti Corruption Commission to demand Thaksin's medical records for use in its investigation against officials accused of giving Thaksin VIP treatment. The anti-graft agency is currently investigating Department of Corrections and police hospital officials for providing Thaksin with relative comfort at the police hospital instead of the clink.

Thaksin, 75, was slapped with an eight-year sentence for abuse of power prior to 2006, and he returned to Thailand in August 2023. Despite being sentenced, he never spent a single night in jail and was entitled to 120 days of medical treatment outside prison. However, the Department of Corrections allowed him to continue his hospital stay for 180 days, claiming conditions in prison could threaten his life. Thaksin footed the bill for his luxurious 14-floor hospital suite, with the total costing 8,500 baht a night.

There's even talk of an ethics probe against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and some cabinet ministers, who insisted Thaksin was critically ill. Then there's the possibility of an early House dissolution as a result of this case.

It's as clear as mud

DP Rangsiman Rome, a People's Party parliamentarian, took to Facebook to state that the Medical Council's decision corresponds with the findings of the National Human Rights Commission. "It's not complicated," he said. "Under the leadership of Paetongtarn Shinawatra, helping Thaksin and undermining the justice administration system is the government's top priority."

Legal eagle Paisal Puechmongkol shared on Facebook that Thaksin's medical transfer document was prepared before the exam, potentially substantiating the claim about his phony sicknesses. Furthermore, the doctors who facilitated Thaksin's transfer and treatment could face additional action.

Paiboon Nititawan, secretary-general of the Palang Pracharath Party, stated the Medical Council's findings are crucial evidence for the Supreme Court's inquiry, and those who are questioned by the court cannot peddle lies.

While awaiting the Council’s decision, Mr. Somsak declared he has 15 days to make a decision, but he has yet to receive it. Ms Paetongtarn declined to comment on this matter on Friday.

1. The debate surrounding Thaksin Shinawatra's hospitalization has expanded beyond healthcare and law enforcement, involving policy-and-legislation, politics, and general-news.
2. The ruling Pheu Thai Party's credibility is under scrutiny, as senior party figures' claims about Thaksin's critical condition are being questioned.
3. Crime-and-justice matters are not limited to Thaksin's case, as officials involved in the controversy could face legal action and potential additional penalties for their actions.
4. Apart from medical-conditions, health-and-wellness, and war-and-conflicts, this situation sheds light on the impact of scientific understanding and investigations on policy, legislation, and political discourse.

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