UPDATE:
Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra has been transferred from Bangkok Remand Prison to the Police General Hospital early this morning, suffering from “chest pain, high blood pressure and low blood oxygen”. The 74 year old returned from a 15 year self-exile yesterday morning and was assessed to have “four comorbidities” by prison doctors after he arrived at the remand centre.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Former Thai PM, Thaksin Shinawatra, is being housed in a special isolation unit at Bangkok Remand Prison while his health is closely monitored. Nation Thailand reports that Thaksin has been diagnosed with 4 co-morbidities, according to prison doctors.
Thaksin was sentenced to 8 years in prison by the Supreme Court shortly after his return to Thailand on Tuesday morning following 15 year sin self-exile. It is generally accepted that a pardon or early release was ‘negotiated’ before his return to Thailand.
The Corrections Department says he’s being kept under close observation at Bangkok Remand Prison, where he was taken after his sentencing in 3 convictions was read at the Supreme Court yesterday.
Aryut Sintopphan, director-general of the department, says his office will ensure the former PM’s safety at the prison, adding that a special building or area will serve as a designated space for Thaksin’s visitors.
The former PM turned 74 last month and Aryut says his health needs close monitoring, to ensure he doesn’t become unwell while in detention.
Meanwhile, Sitthi Sutheewong, the Corrections Department’s deputy director-general, says doctors have diagnosed Thaksin with 4 co-morbidities that require close medical supervision.
The facility has therefore decided to house the former PM alone in what’s known as Zone 7, to ensure a medical team can keep an eye on him around the clock.
According to Sitthi, the 4 illnesses afflicting the former PM are:
- A heart condition known as ischemia, which restricts blood flow and needs to be treated with anti-blood coagulation drugs
- A severe lung infection as a long-term effect of Covid-19. Although the former PM is no longer infected, his lungs still have adhesions, making him feel tired easily
- Hypertension, or high blood pressure, which requires regular medication
- A degenerative spinal condition and herniated discs, affecting his balance and walk
SOURCE: Nation Thailand
