Thailand’s jailed ex-PM Thaksin hospitalised after return from exile

AFP

Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was moved to hospital in a single day, officers mentioned on Wednesday, over concern about his coronary heart and hypertension on his first evening in jail following his historic return from self-exile.

The newest situation of 74-year-old Thaksin, the billionaire founding father of the populist juggernaut Pheu Thai, was not clear on Wednesday and his representatives didn’t instantly reply to a request from Reuters for remark.

The Corrections Department mentioned in a press release Thaksin had felt chest tightness and hypertension and he was referred to Bangkok’s police hospital at round 2:00 am (native time) on Wednesday.

Thaksin made his homecoming on Tuesday and was escorted to jail in dramatic scenes that stole the highlight from political ally Srettha Thavisin, who was elected prime minister in a parliamentary vote later within the day.

The Pheu Thai Party’s Srettha was confirmed as prime minister having obtained royal endorsement, a parliament official mentioned on Wednesday.

Police mentioned Thaksin was hospitalised as a result of the jail was unable to ensure he would get the suitable care.

“The prison has assessed the situation and saw that it lacks doctors and medical equipment that can take care of the patient,” Assistant National Police Chief Lieutenant General Prachuab Wongsuk advised Reuters.

The Supreme Court confirmed on Tuesday that Thaksin must serve eight years in jail after convictions for abuse of energy and conflicts of curiosity.

Thaksin was accompanied by eight jail guards when he was transferred throughout the evening, Ayuth Sintoppant, director common of the Corrections Department advised Reuters.

The return of Thailand’s most well-known politician was met with celebrations by his supporters and with blow-by-blow media protection of arrival in Bangkok on his personal jet, and his switch to jail quickly after.

His return and Srettha’s surprisingly clean ascent to the highest job will add to hypothesis that the influential Thaksin had struck a cope with his foes within the army and political institution for his secure return and, presumably, an early launch from jail. Thaksin and Pheu Thai have denied that.