New topic since his arrival.
As of the time of this post, this is the only media report I've seen so far. No photos yet.
_______________________________________________
Thaksin arrives at Don Mueang, makes brief appearance
August 22, 2023
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra finally returned to the country after 15 years in self exile and made a brief appearance in front of the private jet terminal at Don Mueang airport on Tuesday morning.
His private jet landed at Don Mueang airport about 9am on Tuesday as scheduled. Thousands of supporters and key political figures, mostly from the Pheu Thai Party, were waiting to welcome him outside the MJETs private jet terminal at the airport in Bangkok.
At 9.25am Thaksin, in a dark blue suit and pink necktie, walked out of the front of the private jet terminal with his three children. He paid respect to a portrait of His Majesty the King placed next to the entrance ahead of his arrival.
Then he put his hands together in a wai and afterwards waved to supporters, with a calm smile and looking comfortable.
He walked to greet key political figures, mostly from the Pheu Thai Party, who were waiting with smiles near the entrance of the terminal.
Thaksin and his children were out front of the terminal for three minutes before reentering the building.
It was reported earlier that he would be taken to the Supreme Court near the Grand Palace to undergo procedures concerning his punishment.
Since being overthrown by a military coup on Sept 19, 2006, Thaksin had lived in self-imposed exile, except for a brief visit to the country in 2008. During his absence, the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions sentenced him to a total of 12 years in prison in four cases.
In the first case, Thaksin was found guilty of abuse of authority in his then-wife Khunying Potjaman na Pombejra's purchase of state-owned land in Ratchadaphisek at a price below the market value, resulting in a two-year prison sentence. The 10-year statute of limitations on the court ruling expired in October 2018.
The second case led to a two-year prison sentence for the former prime minister, as he was found guilty of malfeasance in connection with the two- and three-digit lottery case.
In the third case, Thaksin received a three-year prison sentence for abusing his position by authorising 4 billion baht in loans to Myanmar through the Export-Import (Exim) Bank of Thailand. The funds were used to purchase equipment from a telecoms firm owned by his family.
The fourth case resulted in a five-year prison sentence for him, as the court found him guilty of using nominees to hold shares in Shin Corp, a telecommunications company, which is prohibited for any political office holder.
The statutes of limitation for the court decisions on the second, third and fourth cases have not expired.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/po ... appearance
Thaksin Returns to Thailand
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Re: Thaksin Returns to Thailand
Now the question is how long will he actually have to stay in prison and how and where will he be imprisoned?
There is speculation that he will be asking for a Royal Pardon, which His Majesty, the King has the authority to grant or deny.
Of course I have absolutely nothing to base this on other then my own opinion and guess, but I don't believe for a second that Thaksin is going to be in prison for the next 8 years. I'll be somewhat surprised if he is in prison for 8 days, let alone 8 years. I find it hard to believe he would return only to be in prison until he is 82 years old. To me, if there aren't iron clad arrangements already in place that he agreed to, that would be the biggest surprise of all.
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Thaksin taken to Bangkok Remand Prison to start serving his jail terms
by THE NATION
August 22, 2023
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was handed over to the Bangkok Remand Prison on Tuesday, so he can start serving his jail terms for three convictions.
Corrections Department officials delivered Thaksin to prison at 11.20am after he was taken to the Supreme Court to hear the court’s verdicts against him in three cases.
Prison officials had prepared an area outside the prison for reporters and supporters. As Thaksin was being taken into prison through the front gate, waiting red-shirt supporters shouted their support for him in unison.
Thaksin taken to Bangkok Remand Prison to start serving his jail terms.
Story and photos: https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand ... s/40030410
Additional photos: https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand ... s/40030407
______________________________________________________________________
2 years can be trimmed off Thaksin’s 10-year jail sentence, says senior public prosecutor
by THE NATION
August 22, 2023
A senior public prosecutor explained on Tuesday that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will have to serve no more than eight years in jail in three corruption cases.
Thanakrit Vorathanatchakul, a senior public prosecutor attached to the Office of the Attorney-General and special law lecturer at several universities, said that though Thaksin was sentenced to three years, two years and five years in jail for the three cases, he should be behind bars for no more than eight years.
He explained that the first and second cases had overlapping terms, meaning the two jail terms will be served at the same time.
Only the third sentence of five years in jail is required to start after Thaksin has completed the first term of three years.
To be more specific, he said, Thaksin had been sentenced on April 23, 2019, to three years in jail in the Exim Bank’s loan case. In this, he was convicted for abusing his authority as PM to order the bank to grant a loan to the Myanmar government, so it could buy telecom gear from his family’s firm.
Then on June 5, 2019, the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Office sentenced Thaksin to jail for two years for unlawfully approving the sale of two- and three-digit lottery.
The public prosecutors did not ask the court to order that the jail term, in this case, start after the first case.
Then on July 30, 2020, the court sentenced Thaksin to jail for five years for abusing his authority to get a concession contract held by Shin Corp to be amended to allow it to pay for excise tax for mobile phone operation services instead of concession fees.
In this case, the court ordered that the jail term start after Thaksin has finished serving the terms for the first and second cases, Thanakrit said.
Since the court did not specify that the imprisonment for the lottery case starts after the Exim Bank case, the terms can be served at the same time in line with Article 22 of the Criminal Code, he said.
https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand ... s/40030409
There is speculation that he will be asking for a Royal Pardon, which His Majesty, the King has the authority to grant or deny.
Of course I have absolutely nothing to base this on other then my own opinion and guess, but I don't believe for a second that Thaksin is going to be in prison for the next 8 years. I'll be somewhat surprised if he is in prison for 8 days, let alone 8 years. I find it hard to believe he would return only to be in prison until he is 82 years old. To me, if there aren't iron clad arrangements already in place that he agreed to, that would be the biggest surprise of all.
____________________________________________________________
Thaksin taken to Bangkok Remand Prison to start serving his jail terms
by THE NATION
August 22, 2023
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was handed over to the Bangkok Remand Prison on Tuesday, so he can start serving his jail terms for three convictions.
Corrections Department officials delivered Thaksin to prison at 11.20am after he was taken to the Supreme Court to hear the court’s verdicts against him in three cases.
Prison officials had prepared an area outside the prison for reporters and supporters. As Thaksin was being taken into prison through the front gate, waiting red-shirt supporters shouted their support for him in unison.
Thaksin taken to Bangkok Remand Prison to start serving his jail terms.
Story and photos: https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand ... s/40030410
Additional photos: https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand ... s/40030407
______________________________________________________________________
2 years can be trimmed off Thaksin’s 10-year jail sentence, says senior public prosecutor
by THE NATION
August 22, 2023
A senior public prosecutor explained on Tuesday that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will have to serve no more than eight years in jail in three corruption cases.
Thanakrit Vorathanatchakul, a senior public prosecutor attached to the Office of the Attorney-General and special law lecturer at several universities, said that though Thaksin was sentenced to three years, two years and five years in jail for the three cases, he should be behind bars for no more than eight years.
He explained that the first and second cases had overlapping terms, meaning the two jail terms will be served at the same time.
Only the third sentence of five years in jail is required to start after Thaksin has completed the first term of three years.
To be more specific, he said, Thaksin had been sentenced on April 23, 2019, to three years in jail in the Exim Bank’s loan case. In this, he was convicted for abusing his authority as PM to order the bank to grant a loan to the Myanmar government, so it could buy telecom gear from his family’s firm.
Then on June 5, 2019, the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Office sentenced Thaksin to jail for two years for unlawfully approving the sale of two- and three-digit lottery.
The public prosecutors did not ask the court to order that the jail term, in this case, start after the first case.
Then on July 30, 2020, the court sentenced Thaksin to jail for five years for abusing his authority to get a concession contract held by Shin Corp to be amended to allow it to pay for excise tax for mobile phone operation services instead of concession fees.
In this case, the court ordered that the jail term start after Thaksin has finished serving the terms for the first and second cases, Thanakrit said.
Since the court did not specify that the imprisonment for the lottery case starts after the Exim Bank case, the terms can be served at the same time in line with Article 22 of the Criminal Code, he said.
https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand ... s/40030409
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Re: Thaksin Returns to Thailand
Thaksin has own room on prison medical ward
Corrections officials discuss treatment plan for 74-year-old with heart and lung problems
August 22, 2023
Thaksin Shinawatra is in a private room on the medical ward of Bangkok Remand Prison and being monitored around the clock because four underlying health conditions including heart and lung problems, the head of the Department of Corrections said on Tuesday.
Aryut Sinthoppan briefed journalists on the department’s plans for the 74-year-old inmate after the former prime minister was brought to the prison following his sentencing to eight years in jail by the Supreme Court earlier in the day — Thaksin’s first back in Thailand in 15 years.
Mr Aryut said the prison would provide proper security for Thaksin and ensure appropriate living conditions, food, drinking water and visits.
Since Thaksin is likely to be visited by family members, close associates and people from various organisations, he will be provided with an appropriate space to meet with them.
Moreover, since Thaksin is an elderly person, his health will be closely monitored to ensure proper medical care.
Doctors from the Department of Corrections Hospital have examined Thaksin and found him to have four underlying diseases, said Sithi Sutheewong, deputy director-general of the department.
In accordance with procedure for elderly prisoners with illnesses, Thaksin initially has been put in a separate room on Zone 7, the medical centre of the Bangkok Remand Prison, where he will be monitored around the clock.
It has been widely speculated that the former premier wants his stay behind bars to be as short as possible. He is eligible to apply for a royal pardon from his first day in jail, Mr Sitthi said. The petition may be prepared by Thaksin himself or his relatives.
When a petition is submitted, it will be considered by a committee of the Department of Corrections. The committee will then send it to the Justice Ministry and the prime minister before being forwarded to His Majesty the King for consideration.
Mr Sitthi said there are two types of royal pardons — for people in general and for individuals. Thaksin is in the second category. The entire process may be completed in one to two months, depending on the documents attached and royal discretion.
Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam, the government’s legal expert, said earlier that if a pardon is not granted, the applicant has to wait two years before seeking one again.
Wattanachai Mingbancherdsuk, director of the Department of Corrections Hospital, said Thaksin’s medical records indicate he suffers from four underlying conditions — heart disease, a lung ailment, high blood pressure and spondylosis, or degeneration of the bones and discs in the spine.
In light of those conditions, Thaksin is considered in a vulnerable group, requiring close surveillance, he said.
Nastee Thongplad, chief of the Bangkok Remand Prison, said all inmates, including Thaksin, are required to keep their hair short and wear a white shirt.
The room where Thaksin is staying has electric fans but no air-conditioner, with an adjoining room for doctors, he added.
Other high-profile prisoners currently serving time in Bangkok Remand Prison include Boonsong Teriyapirom, a former commerce minister in the Yingluck Shinawatra government. He was sentenced to 48 years after being found guilty of corruption in the government rice-pledging scheme. Following royal pardons and reductions of jail terms on various occasions, his term has been shortened and he is due to be released on April 21, 2028.
Also serving time is Tarit Pengdit, former director-general of the Department of Special Investigation. He was sentenced to two years in jail by the Supreme Court for unfairly pursuing murder charges against former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and his then-deputy Suthep Thaugsuban for ordering the crackdown on red-shirt protesters during the violent rallies in Bangkok in 2010.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... dical-ward
____________________________________________________________________
Thaksin diagnosed with four co-morbidities, under close watch in prison hospital
by THE NATION
August 22, 2023
The Corrections Department said on Tuesday afternoon that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was isolated inside the Bangkok Remand Prison’s hospital after doctors diagnosed him with four co-morbidities.
Thaksin was taken to the Bangkok Remand Prison immediately after he was read his jail sentences in three convictions by the Supreme Court earlier in the day.
The announcement was made by Aryut Sintopphan, director-general of the Corrections Department, at 12.45pm.
Aryut said the department would ensure Thaksin’s safety inside the prison.
He said the Bangkok Remand Prison would have to designate a special building or space for relatives and supporters to visit the former prime minister.
As Thaksin is aged — he turned 74 last month — he will have to be taken good care of so that he does not fall ill during his detention, the director-general added.
He said that prison officials have made a record of Thaksin as a new inmate and doctors of the prison hospital have checked his health.
Sitthi Sutheewong, deputy director-general of the Corrections Department, said doctors of the prison hospital found that Thaksin was vulnerable to ill health as he had co-morbidities and needed to be continually monitored by doctors.
As a result, the prison decided to detain Thaksin alone in Zone 7, which is the hospital of the Bangkok Remand Prison where he would be monitored by medical staff around the clock, Sitthi added.
According to Sitthi, Thaksin has the following illnesses:
▪︎ Ischemia, a heart condition in which blood flow is restricted and doctors need to prescribe anti-blood-clotting drugs to him regularly.
▪︎ He has had severe lung infections because of Covid. Although he has been cured, his lungs still have adhesion, causing him to feel tired easily.
▪︎ Thaksin suffers from hypertension and needs to take medicines regularly because of high blood pressure.
▪︎ He has been suffering from degenerative spine and herniated discs, which have affected his balance and walk.
https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand ... s/40030419
Corrections officials discuss treatment plan for 74-year-old with heart and lung problems
August 22, 2023
Thaksin Shinawatra is in a private room on the medical ward of Bangkok Remand Prison and being monitored around the clock because four underlying health conditions including heart and lung problems, the head of the Department of Corrections said on Tuesday.
Aryut Sinthoppan briefed journalists on the department’s plans for the 74-year-old inmate after the former prime minister was brought to the prison following his sentencing to eight years in jail by the Supreme Court earlier in the day — Thaksin’s first back in Thailand in 15 years.
Mr Aryut said the prison would provide proper security for Thaksin and ensure appropriate living conditions, food, drinking water and visits.
Since Thaksin is likely to be visited by family members, close associates and people from various organisations, he will be provided with an appropriate space to meet with them.
Moreover, since Thaksin is an elderly person, his health will be closely monitored to ensure proper medical care.
Doctors from the Department of Corrections Hospital have examined Thaksin and found him to have four underlying diseases, said Sithi Sutheewong, deputy director-general of the department.
In accordance with procedure for elderly prisoners with illnesses, Thaksin initially has been put in a separate room on Zone 7, the medical centre of the Bangkok Remand Prison, where he will be monitored around the clock.
It has been widely speculated that the former premier wants his stay behind bars to be as short as possible. He is eligible to apply for a royal pardon from his first day in jail, Mr Sitthi said. The petition may be prepared by Thaksin himself or his relatives.
When a petition is submitted, it will be considered by a committee of the Department of Corrections. The committee will then send it to the Justice Ministry and the prime minister before being forwarded to His Majesty the King for consideration.
Mr Sitthi said there are two types of royal pardons — for people in general and for individuals. Thaksin is in the second category. The entire process may be completed in one to two months, depending on the documents attached and royal discretion.
Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam, the government’s legal expert, said earlier that if a pardon is not granted, the applicant has to wait two years before seeking one again.
Wattanachai Mingbancherdsuk, director of the Department of Corrections Hospital, said Thaksin’s medical records indicate he suffers from four underlying conditions — heart disease, a lung ailment, high blood pressure and spondylosis, or degeneration of the bones and discs in the spine.
In light of those conditions, Thaksin is considered in a vulnerable group, requiring close surveillance, he said.
Nastee Thongplad, chief of the Bangkok Remand Prison, said all inmates, including Thaksin, are required to keep their hair short and wear a white shirt.
The room where Thaksin is staying has electric fans but no air-conditioner, with an adjoining room for doctors, he added.
Other high-profile prisoners currently serving time in Bangkok Remand Prison include Boonsong Teriyapirom, a former commerce minister in the Yingluck Shinawatra government. He was sentenced to 48 years after being found guilty of corruption in the government rice-pledging scheme. Following royal pardons and reductions of jail terms on various occasions, his term has been shortened and he is due to be released on April 21, 2028.
Also serving time is Tarit Pengdit, former director-general of the Department of Special Investigation. He was sentenced to two years in jail by the Supreme Court for unfairly pursuing murder charges against former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and his then-deputy Suthep Thaugsuban for ordering the crackdown on red-shirt protesters during the violent rallies in Bangkok in 2010.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... dical-ward
____________________________________________________________________
Thaksin diagnosed with four co-morbidities, under close watch in prison hospital
by THE NATION
August 22, 2023
The Corrections Department said on Tuesday afternoon that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was isolated inside the Bangkok Remand Prison’s hospital after doctors diagnosed him with four co-morbidities.
Thaksin was taken to the Bangkok Remand Prison immediately after he was read his jail sentences in three convictions by the Supreme Court earlier in the day.
The announcement was made by Aryut Sintopphan, director-general of the Corrections Department, at 12.45pm.
Aryut said the department would ensure Thaksin’s safety inside the prison.
He said the Bangkok Remand Prison would have to designate a special building or space for relatives and supporters to visit the former prime minister.
As Thaksin is aged — he turned 74 last month — he will have to be taken good care of so that he does not fall ill during his detention, the director-general added.
He said that prison officials have made a record of Thaksin as a new inmate and doctors of the prison hospital have checked his health.
Sitthi Sutheewong, deputy director-general of the Corrections Department, said doctors of the prison hospital found that Thaksin was vulnerable to ill health as he had co-morbidities and needed to be continually monitored by doctors.
As a result, the prison decided to detain Thaksin alone in Zone 7, which is the hospital of the Bangkok Remand Prison where he would be monitored by medical staff around the clock, Sitthi added.
According to Sitthi, Thaksin has the following illnesses:
▪︎ Ischemia, a heart condition in which blood flow is restricted and doctors need to prescribe anti-blood-clotting drugs to him regularly.
▪︎ He has had severe lung infections because of Covid. Although he has been cured, his lungs still have adhesion, causing him to feel tired easily.
▪︎ Thaksin suffers from hypertension and needs to take medicines regularly because of high blood pressure.
▪︎ He has been suffering from degenerative spine and herniated discs, which have affected his balance and walk.
https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand ... s/40030419
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Re: Thaksin Returns to Thailand
Thaksin moved to Police Hospital
August 23, 2023
Thaksin Shinawatra was transferred from Bangkok Remand Prison to the Police General Hospital at 12.20am Wednesday, suffering from chest pain, hypertension and low blood oxygen, the Department of Corrections said.
Deputy director-general Sitthi Sutivong said a warder at the prison reported that Thaksin could not sleep, had chest pain, hypertension and low blood oxygen while in quarantine in zone 7 of the prison.
Thaksin was admitted to the prison on Tuesday afternoon after his return to Thailand on Tuesday morning, following a court appearance.
A doctor at the Corrections Hospital reviewed Thaksin's symptoms and considered his medical treatment records from overseas hospitals, which diagnosed him with underlying illnesses including ischemic cardiomyopathy, hypertension, pulmonary fibrosis and spondylosis. Ischemic cardiomyopathy required special observation.
As the Corrections Hospital lacked some medical equipment, the doctor decided to transfer Thaksin to Police General Hospital, which was better equipped, for his safety.
Thaksin was admitted to Police General Hospital for treatment and prison staff were deployed there in line with the regulations of the Department of Corrections, Mr Sitthi said.
The Police General Hospital said in a statement on Wednesday that a Corrections doctor checked Thaksin's symptoms and found his illnesses required urgent treatment. As the Department of Corrections lacked specialised doctors and equipment, Thaksin was referred to Police General Hospital, arriving about 1am on Wednesday.
Referrals of prisoners to Police General Hospital were normal in accordance with a memorandum of understanding the Department of Corrections signed with the police on May 1, 2020.
The Police General Hospital had the proper medical equipment and enough staff to assist with security measures for prisoners, Police General Hospital said.
On Tuesday Thaksin was admitted to Bangkok Remand Prison to begin serving his eight-year jail term after returning to the country in the morning. The Supreme Court ordered his eight-year imprisonment based on his finalised cases. The Department of Corrections earlier said Thaksin was eligible to apply for a royal pardon from his first day in jail.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/po ... e-hospital
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Former PM moved to hospital after health scare
by THE NATION
August 23,2023
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was transported from Bangkok Remand Prison to the Police General Hospital in the middle of the night for treatment of hypertension, among other symptoms, the Corrections Department said on Wednesday.
Thaksin was put on a helicopter heading to the hospital in Bangkok’s Pathum Wan district at around 1am Wednesday after he experienced chest tightness and could not sleep, the department’s statement said.
Medical officials found that his blood pressure spiked and he has low level of blood oxygen saturation at fingertips, the statement said, adding that correction officials will monitor him closely during the treatment.
The department on Tuesday isolated Thaksin inside the Bangkok Remand Prison’s hospital after doctors diagnosed him with four co-morbidities: Ischemia, a severe lung infection, hypertension, and degenerative spine and herniated discs.
The 74-year-old was assigned to Zone 7, which is the hospital of the Bangkok Remand Prison where he would be monitored by medical staff around the clock, department director-general Aryut Sintopphan said on Tuesday.
After over 15 years of self-exile in overseas, Thailand’s 23rd former prime minister and billionaire arrived at Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok on Tuesday morning on a private jet. He was taken shortly afterwards to the Supreme Court to hear the charges against him, and then transported to Bangkok Remand Prison in Chatuchak district.
The court sentenced Thaksin to three years in jail for abusing authority by ordering the Exim Bank to approve a 4-billion-baht loan to Myanmar, two years in jail for unlawfully ordering the Government Lottery Office to sell two- and three-digit lottery tickets, and five years for abusing his authority to have a concession contract of Shin Corp amended to allow it to pay excise tax for mobile phone operation services instead of concession fees.
The court said the five-year sentence will kick off after Thaksin finishes serving the three-year jail term in the first case. The two-year term can be served concurrently.
https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand ... l/40030430
August 23, 2023
Thaksin Shinawatra was transferred from Bangkok Remand Prison to the Police General Hospital at 12.20am Wednesday, suffering from chest pain, hypertension and low blood oxygen, the Department of Corrections said.
Deputy director-general Sitthi Sutivong said a warder at the prison reported that Thaksin could not sleep, had chest pain, hypertension and low blood oxygen while in quarantine in zone 7 of the prison.
Thaksin was admitted to the prison on Tuesday afternoon after his return to Thailand on Tuesday morning, following a court appearance.
A doctor at the Corrections Hospital reviewed Thaksin's symptoms and considered his medical treatment records from overseas hospitals, which diagnosed him with underlying illnesses including ischemic cardiomyopathy, hypertension, pulmonary fibrosis and spondylosis. Ischemic cardiomyopathy required special observation.
As the Corrections Hospital lacked some medical equipment, the doctor decided to transfer Thaksin to Police General Hospital, which was better equipped, for his safety.
Thaksin was admitted to Police General Hospital for treatment and prison staff were deployed there in line with the regulations of the Department of Corrections, Mr Sitthi said.
The Police General Hospital said in a statement on Wednesday that a Corrections doctor checked Thaksin's symptoms and found his illnesses required urgent treatment. As the Department of Corrections lacked specialised doctors and equipment, Thaksin was referred to Police General Hospital, arriving about 1am on Wednesday.
Referrals of prisoners to Police General Hospital were normal in accordance with a memorandum of understanding the Department of Corrections signed with the police on May 1, 2020.
The Police General Hospital had the proper medical equipment and enough staff to assist with security measures for prisoners, Police General Hospital said.
On Tuesday Thaksin was admitted to Bangkok Remand Prison to begin serving his eight-year jail term after returning to the country in the morning. The Supreme Court ordered his eight-year imprisonment based on his finalised cases. The Department of Corrections earlier said Thaksin was eligible to apply for a royal pardon from his first day in jail.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/po ... e-hospital
_________________________________________
Former PM moved to hospital after health scare
by THE NATION
August 23,2023
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was transported from Bangkok Remand Prison to the Police General Hospital in the middle of the night for treatment of hypertension, among other symptoms, the Corrections Department said on Wednesday.
Thaksin was put on a helicopter heading to the hospital in Bangkok’s Pathum Wan district at around 1am Wednesday after he experienced chest tightness and could not sleep, the department’s statement said.
Medical officials found that his blood pressure spiked and he has low level of blood oxygen saturation at fingertips, the statement said, adding that correction officials will monitor him closely during the treatment.
The department on Tuesday isolated Thaksin inside the Bangkok Remand Prison’s hospital after doctors diagnosed him with four co-morbidities: Ischemia, a severe lung infection, hypertension, and degenerative spine and herniated discs.
The 74-year-old was assigned to Zone 7, which is the hospital of the Bangkok Remand Prison where he would be monitored by medical staff around the clock, department director-general Aryut Sintopphan said on Tuesday.
After over 15 years of self-exile in overseas, Thailand’s 23rd former prime minister and billionaire arrived at Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok on Tuesday morning on a private jet. He was taken shortly afterwards to the Supreme Court to hear the charges against him, and then transported to Bangkok Remand Prison in Chatuchak district.
The court sentenced Thaksin to three years in jail for abusing authority by ordering the Exim Bank to approve a 4-billion-baht loan to Myanmar, two years in jail for unlawfully ordering the Government Lottery Office to sell two- and three-digit lottery tickets, and five years for abusing his authority to have a concession contract of Shin Corp amended to allow it to pay excise tax for mobile phone operation services instead of concession fees.
The court said the five-year sentence will kick off after Thaksin finishes serving the three-year jail term in the first case. The two-year term can be served concurrently.
https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand ... l/40030430
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Re: Thaksin Returns to Thailand
No VIP room for Thaksin, say police
Even the air-con is faulty, say authorities debunking reports of special treatment at Police General Hospital
by Wassayos Ngamkham
August 23, 2023
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is staying on the 14th floor of Police General Hospital but the accommodation is not nearly as posh as online gossip has been reporting, say authorities. (Photo: Chainwit via Wikimedia Commons)
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was not admitted to a VIP room at Police General Hospital and even the air-conditioning where he is staying is not up to par, authorities said on Wednesday.
Hospital staff had to provide two electric fans to make it comfortable for the high-profile patient who arrived overnight from Bangkok Remand Prison, said Pol Lt Gen Dr Sophonrat Singhajaru, chief physician at the hospital.
He also denied that the room where Thaksin is staying had a beautiful view. In fact it is adjacent to a glass wall and thus quite hot, the hospital chief said.
Dr Sophonrat was responding to reports and images circulating online, which purported to show a VIP room that resembled a five-star hotel suite on the 14th floor of the state hospital. Another image showed a view of the green expanse of the Royal Bangkok Sports Club.
Thaksin, 74, returned to Thailand on Tuesday after more than 15 years in self-exile abroad. Within a matter of hours he appeared in court, was sentenced to eight years in prison and taken to the Bangkok Remand Centre.
Prison officials placed him on a medical ward as he was found to be suffering from a variety of ailments, but within a few hours he was on the move again.
According to Dr Sophonrat, Police General Hospital was not contacted beforehand about the transfer.
At the Correctional Hospital, Thaksin was found to be suffering from acute chest pain, low blood oxygen and very high blood pressure. Doctors there tried to lower his blood pressure but with only limited success. They then decided to make an urgent referral to Police General Hospital, which has an agreement with the Department of Corrections to admit seriously ill patients in its custody.
Thaksin arrived at Police General Hospital in a Department of Corrections vehicle, the hospital chief said.
A blood pressure test showed a systolic pressure reading of 170, which is considered severely high. He was brought to the 14th floor of the Maha Bhumibol Rachanusorn 88 Phansa Building. Earlier the floor was reserved for Covid-19 patients, said Dr Sophonrat.
The hospital chief also denied a report that another patient had been discharged to clear a room for the billionaire former premier, who would have to pay for his treatment, he added.
Thaksin was receiving saline solution and a team of six doctors has been formed to treat him at Police General Hospital.
The team included doctors specialised in heart and lung disease and Covid-19 treatment. Thaksin was not chained because the law spares convicts younger than 16 years or older than 70 from any confinement tools that could otherwise obstruct treatment, Dr Sophonrat said.
Doctors reviewed Thaksin’s medical records from abroad and found that he had been receiving regular treatment for several conditions, he said.
Thaksin was said to be feeling slightly better on Wednesday morning. He still has high blood pressure and is being given oxygen via a nasal cannula. He can communicate but is tired and short of breath, his doctors reported.
Doctors have banned all visitors and are unable to predict how long Thaksin would have to stay at Police General Hospital, Dr Sophonrat said.
Sahakarn Phetnarin, deputy permanent secretary for the Ministry of Justice, said that if Thaksin were to be discharged from Police General Hospital, he would not be referred to any private hospital.
There had been unconfirmed reports earlier that one option under consideration was to have Thaksin brought to Praram 9 Hospital, in which the Shinawatra family are major shareholders.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/po ... say-police
Even the air-con is faulty, say authorities debunking reports of special treatment at Police General Hospital
by Wassayos Ngamkham
August 23, 2023
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is staying on the 14th floor of Police General Hospital but the accommodation is not nearly as posh as online gossip has been reporting, say authorities. (Photo: Chainwit via Wikimedia Commons)
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was not admitted to a VIP room at Police General Hospital and even the air-conditioning where he is staying is not up to par, authorities said on Wednesday.
Hospital staff had to provide two electric fans to make it comfortable for the high-profile patient who arrived overnight from Bangkok Remand Prison, said Pol Lt Gen Dr Sophonrat Singhajaru, chief physician at the hospital.
He also denied that the room where Thaksin is staying had a beautiful view. In fact it is adjacent to a glass wall and thus quite hot, the hospital chief said.
Dr Sophonrat was responding to reports and images circulating online, which purported to show a VIP room that resembled a five-star hotel suite on the 14th floor of the state hospital. Another image showed a view of the green expanse of the Royal Bangkok Sports Club.
Thaksin, 74, returned to Thailand on Tuesday after more than 15 years in self-exile abroad. Within a matter of hours he appeared in court, was sentenced to eight years in prison and taken to the Bangkok Remand Centre.
Prison officials placed him on a medical ward as he was found to be suffering from a variety of ailments, but within a few hours he was on the move again.
According to Dr Sophonrat, Police General Hospital was not contacted beforehand about the transfer.
At the Correctional Hospital, Thaksin was found to be suffering from acute chest pain, low blood oxygen and very high blood pressure. Doctors there tried to lower his blood pressure but with only limited success. They then decided to make an urgent referral to Police General Hospital, which has an agreement with the Department of Corrections to admit seriously ill patients in its custody.
Thaksin arrived at Police General Hospital in a Department of Corrections vehicle, the hospital chief said.
A blood pressure test showed a systolic pressure reading of 170, which is considered severely high. He was brought to the 14th floor of the Maha Bhumibol Rachanusorn 88 Phansa Building. Earlier the floor was reserved for Covid-19 patients, said Dr Sophonrat.
The hospital chief also denied a report that another patient had been discharged to clear a room for the billionaire former premier, who would have to pay for his treatment, he added.
Thaksin was receiving saline solution and a team of six doctors has been formed to treat him at Police General Hospital.
The team included doctors specialised in heart and lung disease and Covid-19 treatment. Thaksin was not chained because the law spares convicts younger than 16 years or older than 70 from any confinement tools that could otherwise obstruct treatment, Dr Sophonrat said.
Doctors reviewed Thaksin’s medical records from abroad and found that he had been receiving regular treatment for several conditions, he said.
Thaksin was said to be feeling slightly better on Wednesday morning. He still has high blood pressure and is being given oxygen via a nasal cannula. He can communicate but is tired and short of breath, his doctors reported.
Doctors have banned all visitors and are unable to predict how long Thaksin would have to stay at Police General Hospital, Dr Sophonrat said.
Sahakarn Phetnarin, deputy permanent secretary for the Ministry of Justice, said that if Thaksin were to be discharged from Police General Hospital, he would not be referred to any private hospital.
There had been unconfirmed reports earlier that one option under consideration was to have Thaksin brought to Praram 9 Hospital, in which the Shinawatra family are major shareholders.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/po ... say-police
Re: Thaksin Returns to Thailand
Whether that debunks reports of special treatment depends on how other prisoners are treated when ill.Bangkok Post wrote: ↑Wed Aug 23, 2023 10:01 pmEven the air-con is faulty, say authorities debunking reports of special treatment at Police General Hospital
Firstly, are other prisoners given the same standard of care and moved to the Police General Hospital if in a similar state of health ?
If so, how many are there currently ?
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Gaybutton
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Re: Thaksin Returns to Thailand
Obviously he can't be given a VIP room if the hospital doesn't even have one. But I certainly notice since he is a prisoner he is being treated in police hospitals rather than the best private hospitals such as Bumrungrad or Siriraj, which he certainly could easily afford. I am guessing it is possible he might end up in a private hospital if his condition warrants it. I would think the last thing the police would want would be for him to die while in their custody.
I don't know if other prisoners would be hustled out for treatment so fast, assuming they even get treatment at all. The article says he will have to pay for his treatment, but your guess is as good as mine as to what happens to prisoners who don't have any money or any kind of medical insurance - and that's probably most of them.
In Pattaya I have seen for myself prisoners taken to Banglamung Hospital, placed in a ward no matter their condition or how many patients are there, and they are chained to their hospital bed with heavy leg irons. Nothing similar is happening to Thaksin, so I am guessing since he is in a private room and received immediate treatment, for a prisoner that's as VIP as it's going to get.
I wonder if Thaksin is regretting his decision to return to Thailand. For his sake, I hope he hasn't made a BIG mistake.
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Gaybutton
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thaiophilus
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Re: Thaksin Returns to Thailand
Don't forget he held Police Lieutenant Colonel rank until Army General Prayut revoked it. I imagine he'll still have a pretty good network within the police.Gaybutton wrote: ↑Thu Aug 24, 2023 6:46 amObviously he can't be given a VIP room if the hospital doesn't even have one. But I certainly notice since he is a prisoner he is being treated in police hospitals rather than the best private hospitals such as Bumrungrad or Siriraj, which he certainly could easily afford.