COURT MULLS THAKSIN'S FISHY STRETCH

CONVENIENTLY COINCIDENTAL YEAR OF ILL HEALTH SAW EX-PM AVOID TIME IN A CELL

- AEKARACH SATTABURUTH

>>>The outcome of a Supreme Court hearing regarding claims of improper enforcement of the prison sentence against former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will make or break his political future, an academic says.

The Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions has decided to launch an inquiry into the time served in prison by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s father.

It follows a petition filed by former Democrat MP Charnchai Issarasena-rak, who asked the court to investigate the Department of Corrections’ (DoC) decision to allow Thaksin to receive treatment for a medical complaint at Police General Hospital (PGH) away from Bangkok Remand Prison.

Thaksin, generally considered de facto leader of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, returned from self-imposed exile on Aug 22, 2023.

On the same day, the Supreme Court sentenced him to eight years in prison — three years in total from two cases and a further five years in a third case.

The sentence was later reduced to one year following royal clemency.

On his first night in custody, the DoC transferred Thaksin to the PGH, citing his serious health issues.

He remained there until he was granted parole in February last year, prompting public questions over whether he had received special treatment.

Mr Charnchai said the DoC allowed Thaksin to seek treatment at the PGH without court approval, which he argues was in violation of the Criminal Code.

He also argued the ministerial regulations could not be used to justify Thaksin's transfer and has asked the court to issue an arrest warrant for Thaksin to serve his jail sentence.

In response, the Supreme Court on April 30 dismissed Mr Charnchai’s petition on the ground the former Democrat MP was not an affected party in any of the cases.