Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra claimed today that he did not feign illness and was genuinely sick when he was admitted to the Police General Hospital for treatment, but he is in high spirits, which helped his health to improve.
He admitted, however, that he still has a problem with his neck and back, as well as the effects of COVID-19 infections, when he was very sick and was treated in the ICU for nine days, adding that there are still spots on his lungs.
Asked about widespread scepticism about his illness, Thaksin said he does not mind, but asked for understanding and sympathy for a 75-year-old man who had been away from his home country for a long time and has just returned.
There are still people who dislike him, said Thaksin, adding that it is better that he and they avoid each other.
The former prime minister said he has tries hard to accept that he is now 75, but he does not accept that he is an old man and he does not want to become one.
Throughout his three days in Chiang Mai, Thaksin said he felt refreshed, after having met with his old friends, and had missed Thai food, culture and his family during his time overseas.
He said that PM2.5 pollution in Chiang Mai is a very serious problem and it is being addressed by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.
He also said that the problems today are more complex than the problems his government faced almost two decades ago, as he advised politicians and bureaucrats to work together closely to address the problems.
Asked about the dramas since his return to Thailand last August and his discharge from the Police General Hospital in March, Thaksin said the dramas are unreal and they should stop.
