On January 16, Saroj Phuengramphan, Secretary-General and spokesperson for the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), announced that the commission had reviewed a case involving allegations of misconduct by Sahakarn Phetnarin, Director-General of the Department of Corrections, Pol. Lt. Gen. Taweesilp Vetchavitharn, Chief Medical Officer of Police General Hospital, and other related officials. The allegations concern the transfer of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra from Bangkok Remand Prison to Police General Hospital under improper circumstances, allowing him to remain at the hospital for 180 days despite reportedly not being seriously ill.
The NACC determined there is sufficient evidence to warrant a formal investigation. The commission decided to proceed under Section 51 of the 2018 Organic Act on Anti-Corruption, with the entire NACC serving as the inquiry panel. The investigation will examine 12 state officials from the Department of Corrections and Police General Hospital, and additional individuals may be investigated if further evidence implicates them.
Key Officials Under Investigation:
- Sahakarn Phetnarin - Director-General of the Department of Corrections
- Sithi Suthewong - Former Deputy Director-General of the Department of Corrections
- Chan Wachiradet - Deputy Director-General of the Department of Corrections
- Natee Thongplat - Commander of Bangkok Remand Prison
- Pol. Lt. Gen. Sophonrat Singhajaru - Former Chief Medical Officer of Police General Hospital
- Pol. Lt. Gen. Taweesilp Vetchavitharn - Chief Medical Officer of Police General Hospital
- Pol. Maj. Gen. Samart Muangsiri - Physician at Police General Hospital, who issued Thaksin’s medical certificate
The NACC investigation seeks to determine whether these officials colluded to unlawfully benefit Thaksin by exempting him from prison confinement. Further inquiries may be launched against additional individuals if new evidence emerges.