Thai ex-PM Thaksin allowed to remain in hospital for further treatment

BANGKOK - Jailed former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will continue his medical treatment at the Police General Hospital, the Department of Corrections said on Saturday, allowing the extension of his stay outside prison after the expiry of the initially granted 60 days.

Department of Corrections director-general Sahakarn Phetnarin said the decision to allow Thaksin to remain in hospital was based on recommendation from doctors, who wanted him to remain in hospital to receive proper medical treatment for ailments related to high blood pressure, respiratory problems and other age-related issues.

The nod from the Department of Corrections, the medical recommendation and related proof have been submitted to the Permanent Secretary of the Justice Ministry for final approval on the extension of Thaksin’s hospital stay.

Thaksin

returned to Thailand on Aug 22

after living in self-imposed exile for 15 years – following his overthrow by a military coup in 2006 – to face a combined jail term of eight years. His sentence was based on convictions over corruption charges that he says were politically motivated.

He was moved

from the

Bangkok Remand Prison’s hospital to the Police General Hospital after doctors at the prison hospital found he had chest pains and constant high blood pressure.

The Thai authorities have said Thaksin

would not be easily allowed to be moved to a more comfortable private hospital.

THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK