BANGKOK: Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was admitted to a hospital overnight due to concerns about his heart condition and elevated blood pressure.
This development comes on the heels of his historic return from self-imposed exile and his first night spent in jail.
The health status of Thaksin, aged 74 and renowned as the billionaire founder of the populist political force Pheu Thai, remains unclear as of Wednesday. His representatives have not yet responded to inquiries from Reuters seeking comment.
According to an official statement from the Corrections Department, Thaksin experienced chest tightness and high blood pressure, prompting his transfer to Bangkok’s police hospital at around 2 a.m. on Wednesday.
Thaksin’s homecoming on Tuesday was accompanied by dramatic scenes as he was escorted to prison. This event momentarily shifted attention from his political ally, Srettha Thavisin, who was subsequently elected prime minister in a parliamentary vote on the same day.
Srettha, representing the Pheu Thai Party, secured the position of prime minister with royal endorsement, as confirmed by a parliamentary official on Wednesday.
Police sources have indicated that Thaksin was admitted to the hospital due to concerns about the prison’s ability to provide adequate medical care. Assistant National Police Chief Lieutenant General Prachuab Wongsuk explained to Reuters, “The prison has assessed the situation and saw that it lacks doctors and medical equipment that can take care of the patient.”
Thaksin’s fate was sealed when the Supreme Court affirmed on Tuesday an eight-year prison sentence for convictions related to abuse of power and conflicts of interest.
During his transfer to the medical facility, Thaksin was accompanied by a contingent of eight prison guards, as disclosed by Ayuth Sintoppant, the director general of the Corrections Department, in a conversation with Reuters.
The return of Thailand’s most prominent political figure was met with jubilation by his supporters. Media outlets provided comprehensive coverage of his arrival in Bangkok via a private jet and his subsequent transfer to prison.
These recent events, including Thaksin’s return and the smooth transition of power to Srettha, have fueled speculation about potential behind-the-scenes agreements. Some suggest that Thaksin may have struck a deal with the military and political establishment for his secure return and a possible early release from incarceration. However, both Thaksin and the Pheu Thai party have refuted these claims.
