The Thai Corrections Department’s director-general has agreed to allow convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to remain at the Police General Hospital for medical treatment, as recommended by his doctors.

The extension order was signed 24 hours before Thaksin’s stay at the hospital reaches its 60th day tomorrow (Sunday).

It was not specified in the order how long Thaksin will stay at the hospital, as the decision rests with the doctors in charge of treating him.

Anti-Thaksin groups and activists have described the treatment of the convicted former prime minster as an example of double-standards, noting that, since his arrival in Thailand on August 22nd, after his 15-year self-imposed exile abroad to avoid incarceration, he has not spent a day behind bars.

They also demand an explanation from the doctors about the actual illnesses, which necessitates his treatment at the Police General Hospital, instead of in the hospital of the Corrections Department.

On the day he arrived back in Thailand, he was taken to prison to serve his 8-year term on three convictions. He was, however, transferred to the Corrections Department’s hospital before being moved to the Police General Hospital.

In September, His Majesty the King granted a Royal commutation, reducing the prison time to be served from eight years to one.