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

BANGKOK – Thailand’s billionaire former leader Thaksin Shinawatra was hospitalised on his first night in prison after his historic return from self-exile, officials said on Wednesday, citing concern about his heart and blood pressure.

The influential founder of the populist Pheu Thai Party was transferred to a police hospital overnight, 15 hours after a vaunted homecoming

from 15 years abroad

to avoid jail, that coincided with his political ally being elected prime minister in a parliamentary vote.

The Corrections Department said the 74-year-old Thaksin was transferred in the early hours of Wednesday, after being unable to sleep and experiencing chest tightness and high blood pressure during his first night in prison.

“Physicians agreed that to prevent dangerous risks to his life, he (should) be transferred to the police hospital,” it said.

Dr Soponrat Singhajaru, a senior doctor, confirmed that Thaksin’s condition had improved since he was admitted. A representative for Thaksin declined to comment.

News of Thaksin’s struggle on his first night in prison drew mixed reactions on social media, ranging from concern to ridicule.

Some social media posts poked fun at his special treatment, with #VVIP being a top trending hashtag on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

Some netizens said they suspected he was in a ward on a high floor of the hospital, one with a view of an exclusive sports club and golf course.

The hospital said there was no special treatment and it admitted prisoners regularly.

Some television news showed looped videos of Thaksin exercising on the grounds of his Dubai mansion in late 2022, pounding energetically at a punchbag while attempting an occasional high kick.

“I have no problem with Thaksin being treated, but I demand the same treatment for tens of thousands of inmates with high blood pressure,” Ms Amornrat Chokpamitkul, a member of the Move Forward Party, said on X, a comment that was reposted 4,000 times.

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

Mr Srettha, who is from Pheu Thai, was confirmed as prime minister having received royal endorsement, a Parliament official said on Wednesday.

The Supreme Court said on Tuesday that Thaksin would have to serve eight years in prison after convictions for abuse of power and conflicts of interest.

The return of Thailand’s most famous politician was met with celebrations by his supporters, and blow-by-blow media coverage of his arrival in Bangkok on his private jet and his transfer to prison soon after.

His return and Mr Srettha’s surprisingly smooth ascent to the top job will add to speculation that the influential Thaksin had struck a deal with his foes in the military and political establishment for his safe return and, possibly, an early release from jail. Thaksin and Pheu Thai have denied that. REUTERS