The National Human Rights Commission of Thailand (NHRC) is to ask a National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to investigate a state-run hospital and a prison authority over abuse of power.
They allege that they both provided special treatment to then imprisoned former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra during his 181-day stay in the hospital.
NHRC Commissioner Wasan Paileeklee said “The commission is of the opinion that the treatment Thaksin received from the Bangkok Special Remand Prison and the Police Hospital was preferential due to his economic and social status.
This is considered an act, or the absence of an act, that violates human rights, Wasan said.
The NHRC launched an investigation after receiving a complaint in November last year, alleging that Thaksin’s treatment superior to that of other convicts.
Regarding Thaksin’s transfer from the Corrections Hospital to the Police General Hospital on August 22nd last year, the NHRC found it appropriate, given Thaksin’s blood-oxygen level was below 95 percent and he had high blood pressure, both dangerous medical conditions.
Wasan said his office based its conclusion on explanations from doctors at the Corrections Hospital and medical experts at the NHRC.
Wasan also noted that the NHRC has investigated the Police General Hospital’s admission of Thaksin to a VIP room on the 14th floor. The hospital explained that Thaksin’s condition was critical and that the room was the only one available for close medical treatment.
While the NHRC agreed with the explanations, it found that Thaksin remained in the VIP room despite it being intended for patients who had recovered from illness.
Moreover, the Corrections Department failed to inform the NHRC whether other prisoners had been admitted to such similar rooms, despite a ministerial rule requiring a report on the matter.
Wasan stated both institutions exploited loopholes in the ministerial rules, granting Thaksin privileges beyond those which were appropriate, a violation of equality principles and basic human rights.
Despite the authorities’ claims that Thaksin’s condition was critical, he appeared well when released on parole on February 18.
He was able to return home immediately and did not require further medical treatment.
Thaksin was later seen visiting various places around the country and working, without any signs of severe or life-threatening illness as claimed.
Therefore, the NHRC concluded that it could not believe Thaksin’s condition was serious enough to justify his 181-day stay at the Police General Hospital.
The NHRC has resolved to ask the NACC to investigate the matter and report back within 90 days.
