The Thai authorities have responded to speculation that Thaksin Shinawatra is staying in an “apartment”, insisting the convicted former PM remains in the Police General Hospital. However, they say his age and ill health mean he is now eligible for parole under guidelines announced late last year.
The Bangkok Post reports that Somboon Muangklum, adviser to the justice minister, has acknowledged that many are trying to determine if Thaksin really is ill and in hospital or if he is, in fact, staying in an apartment. Somboon says a representative of the ombudsman has already visited Thaksin at the Police General Hospital on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Sitthi Sutivong, deputy director-general of the Department of Corrections has confirmed that the former PM is eligible for parole, given his advanced age and poor health. However, he says the prison governor first has to request parole – usually done on a monthly basis – as inmates do not have the right to do so themselves.
Thaksin returned to Thailand on August 22 last year, following a 15-year absence. He had fled the country after being ousted by a military coup in 2006. During his self-imposed exile, he was convicted for corruption and abuse of power while in government and sentenced in absentia.
On his return to the kingdom in August, the 74 year old was met by the authorities and taken to the Supreme Court. He was sentenced to 8 years in prison, which was subsequently reduced to 1 year by royal clemency.
Later that night, Thaksin was removed from Bangkok Remand Prison and transferred to the Police General Hospital on the grounds of “ill health”. He has been there ever since and is widely expected to be released next month.
SOURCE: Bangkok Post
