Taking a turn for the worse

For the first time, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s controversial hospital “imprisonment” faces intense scrutiny now the courts have stepped in, according to observers.

- 

The Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions has launched an inquiry into whether Thaksin’s transfer from Bangkok Remand Prison to the Police General Hospital (PGH) two years ago was justified or part of a scheme for him to avoid actual jail time.

The inquiry comes despite the dismissal of a petition filed by former Democrat MP Charnchai Issarasenarak, who argued that Thaksin's transfer from prison to a VIP ward at the hospital violated protocol and was therefore unlawful.

While the court rejected the petition because Mr Charnchai was not a direct party to the case, it found the claim serious enough to warrant an investigation.

"When it appears to the court that a final ruling may not have been properly enforced, it has the authority to hold an inquiry and issue an order," the court said in a statement.

It has ordered all parties, including the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), the Attorney-General’s Office, the Department of Corrections, the PGH, and Thaksin himself, to submit documents and evidence within 30 days.

The court has scheduled a hearing for June 13, with many legal experts anticipating a relatively swift process as they believe there is no need for witness examination.

Thanaporn Sriyakul, director of the Political and Public Policy Analysis Institute, pointed out that the court had rejected Mr Charnchai’s petition twice before finally deciding to act.