On June 13, reporters revealed that the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions convened for a readiness hearing and fact-finding session in the case of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Thaksin, sentenced to prison, had been transferred for medical treatment to the 14th floor of the Police General Hospital for 180 days.
Today, the court summoned Manop Chomchuen, Commander of the Bangkok Remand Prison, as the first witness. He testified about his role and the procedures followed in transferring Thaksin for medical care, including identification verification and submission of a foreign medical certificate alongside the court’s imprisonment order.
Manop stated he did not know whether Thaksin’s international medical records were still kept in prison, as he assumed his position after November 20, 2024. Prior wardens were Nastee Thongplad and Pramote Thongsri. The court thus decided to summon the warden who served on August 22, 2023, when Thaksin was taken into custody.
Manop cited a report stating that on August 22, 2023, after Thaksin was taken to prison, Dr. Ruamthip Suphanan conducted a physical exam and fingerprinting, classifying him under inmate group 608. That night, Thaksin complained of high blood pressure, low oxygen levels, and chest tightness. A single nurse, responsible for 4,000 inmates, contacted Dr. Natthaphon from the Department of Corrections Hospital. Without first sending Thaksin to the Corrections Hospital as per standard procedure, the decision was made to send him directly to the Police General Hospital.
Manop affirmed that the transfer followed Section 55 of the Corrections Act B.E. 2560 and that a transfer form had been prepared in advance. Typically, inmates are first sent to the Corrections Hospital, which is adjacent, before any further transfer. However, in Thaksin’s case, this step was bypassed.
Later, Thaksin’s lawyer, Winyat Chartmontree, requested permission to cross-examine with 10 questions. The court allowed some, noting that others would be addressed by future witnesses. Winyat also requested to present additional witnesses, which the court approved pending a formal written request.
The court concluded that 20 more witnesses would be necessary for complete fact-finding. Testimonies will begin July 4 with involved medical personnel, followed by wardens on July 8, and senior officials from the Corrections Department and the Bangkok Remand Prison on July 15, including current Director-General Sahakarn Petchanarin and former wardens. Additional hearings are scheduled for July 18, 25, and 30 at 9:00 AM.
Additionally, the court requested the National Anti-Corruption Commission to submit investigation reports from the National Human Rights Commission, minutes from the Medical Council’s meeting, reimbursement claims for the officers assigned to Thaksin’s hospital watch, and his foreign medical records—claimed to exist but not yet located—within 15 days.