Bangkok, Thailand, June 12 (V7N) – Thailand's Medical Council on Thursday reaffirmed its decision to sanction three physicians involved in the controversial medical treatment of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, overriding an attempt by the Health Minister to veto the disciplinary action.

The council, the country's medical regulatory body, had last month suspended two doctors and issued a warning to a third over medical certificates issued for Thaksin. This move came after Thaksin's highly scrutinized return to Thailand in August 2023. Upon his return, he was immediately sentenced to prison on corruption and abuse of power charges stemming from his tenure in office.

However, almost immediately after his sentencing, Thaksin was transferred to a private room at Bangkok's Police General Hospital due to reported health concerns. He was subsequently released without ever spending a single night in a prison cell, fueling widespread public debate and suspicion.


Health Minister Somsek Thepsutin, a member of the ruling Pheu Thai party, had attempted to overrule the Medical Council's sanctions. However, the council voted today to uphold its original punishment.

The Pheu Thai party has strong ties to Thaksin, whose daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, currently serves as prime minister. Thaksin's return to Thailand, after 15 years in self-imposed exile, notably coincided with Pheu Thai forming a coalition government, further intensifying suspicions of a backroom deal to ensure his lenient treatment.

While Thaksin maintains a strong popular base, he has long been a polarizing figure, particularly disliked by Thailand's influential pro-royalist and military establishment.

Thaksin's legal woes continue, with the Supreme Court scheduled to hold a hearing on Friday to investigate whether he properly served his sentence. The former Manchester City owner, who was ousted as Thai PM in a 2006 coup, is also facing a separate royal defamation case expected to commence next month.

These ongoing legal dramas unfold as his daughter's government grapples with various challenges, including a border dispute with Cambodia and internal disputes among its often-fractious coalition partners.

END/WD/RH/