Thailand suggests not calling Mr. Thaksin a prisoner

The Thai Department of Corrections has asked people not to call Mr. Thaksin a prisoner, because he is serving his sentence in a hospital, not a prison.

“The word ‘prisoner’ should only be used when referring to people serving sentences in prison,” the Department of Corrections said in a statement on January 16. According to them, the word “prisoner” should not be used for people serving sentences outside prison, which could affect their reintegration into society and violate their human rights .

According to the agency's explanation, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is currently a "patient serving a sentence in a hospital", not a "prisoner". The Department of Corrections added that third-person pronouns in Thai such as "Mr., Mrs., Miss,..." are also used in the medical records of prisoners when they are transferred to a hospital outside the prison.

Former Prime Minister Thaksin returned to Thailand on August 22, 2023. Photo: AFP

Thaksin Shinawatra, 74, returned to Thailand on August 22, 2023 and was arrested shortly thereafter. Hours after being taken to the Bangkok Detention Center, he was transferred to the Police General Hospital due to health problems and remained there.

Hospital officials said a specialist was treating the former prime minister, and he needed close care and monitoring “until his serious condition is resolved.” A doctor recently said Mr Thaksin had high blood pressure, narrowed blood vessels, hepatitis B and had undergone two surgeries since being admitted.

Mr Thaksin served as prime minister of Thailand since 2001 but was ousted in a military coup in 2006. He then left the country, living in exile since 2008 to avoid jail time related to corruption charges.

Upon his return to Thailand, the court sentenced Mr. Thaksin to eight years in prison, but the Thai king reduced the sentence to one year. He could be pardoned and released as early as late February.

Duc Trung (According to Bangkok Post )

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