On November 7, the House Committee on National Security, chaired by MP Rangsiman Rome of the People's Party, convened to scrutinize the extended hospitalization of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra at the Police General Hospital. The committee invited relevant officials, including Dr. Watchai Mingbajerjsuk, Director of the Correctional Hospital, and former Deputy Chief Medical Officer Pol. Maj. Gen. Sorawut Laorattanavong, to discuss whether Thaksin's medical accommodations adhered to correctional standards.
Key concerns raised included the speed of Thaksin’s transfer due to an emergency cardiac condition and whether similar urgent care standards apply universally to all prisoners. MP Vayo Asawarungruang questioned the promptness of the transfer, noting it took just 21 minutes for Thaksin to be moved from prison to the hospital, while Advisor Pannika Wanich pressed for details on the daily medical costs, which amounted to 8,500 baht, totaling around 1 million baht. Dr. Watchai explained that any costs exceeding standard inmate coverage must be borne by the inmate or family.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Sorawut, who was on leave at the time of Thaksin’s admission, confirmed that he had no involvement in the specific case and noted that ongoing hospital stays depend on medical assessments by hospital staff. Dr. Watchai emphasized that all inmates with serious medical needs are eligible for rapid external care, consistent with correctional health standards. The committee will continue monitoring to ensure equal treatment protocols for all incarcerated individuals.
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