Hospital stay haunts Thaksin again

A decision of the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions to launch an inquiry into claims of improper enforcement of the prison sentence against ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra over what is known as the "14th floor saga" has triggered wild speculation about another round of political bargaining games.

- Chairith Yonpiam

The inquiry follows former Democrat MP Charnchai Issarasenarak’s failed attempts to petition the court to investigate the Department of Corrections’ (DoC) nod for Thaksin to leave Bangkok Remand Prison and receive treatment at the Police General Hospital (PGH), without staying a single night in prison.

Thaksin was placed in a special ward on the 14th floor until discharged months later amid concerns over irregularities with blatant breaches of laws.

The court, on Wednesday, dismissed the former MP’s petition because he was not an affected party in the cases against Thaksin.

Instead, the court insisted it had the authority to investigate the matter because it was concerned that the prison sentence may not have been adequately enforced.

Thaksin, the de facto leader of Pheu Thai Party, should feel very uncomfortable with the court's decision.

Having been in self-exile for 17 years, he returned to Thailand on the morning of Aug 22, 2023 — the very same day, the Supreme Court sentenced him to eight years in prison.

The sentence was later cut to one year by royal clemency.