On May 16, it was reported that the Medical Council of Thailand had reviewed the ethical conduct of doctors involved in the treatment of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra at the Police General Hospital. The Council reviewed complaints against four individuals and resolved to dismiss the case against one (Respondent 1). Disciplinary actions were decided for the remaining three.
The first sanctioned doctor, a female physician from the Department of Corrections Hospital (Respondent 2), received a formal warning for breaching professional standards. The other two—both male doctors from the Police General Hospital—faced license suspensions for submitting inaccurate medical records or information. Respondent 3 received a three-month suspension, while the fourth doctor received a six-month suspension.
Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin, in his capacity as the Honorary President of the Medical Council, has appointed a 10-member panel to review the Council’s resolution. This committee has 15 days from May 16 to submit their opinion to the Medical Council Board for final approval. If approved, the disciplinary actions will be finalized. However, if a veto is proposed, two-thirds of the board must agree whether the veto has grounds for further investigation. If not, the original ruling stands.
Meanwhile, on May 13, 14, and 15, the doctors facing penalties submitted petitions to Minister Somsak claiming the decisions were unjust. Dr. Thanakrit Jit-Areerat, Assistant to the Minister of Public Health, accepted the petitions on their behalf.