Former Thai PM Thaksin is genuinely ill and ready to defend himself, says PM Paetongtarn
BANGKOK: Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, her father, is genuinely ill and prepared to defend himself through the judicial process.
Thaksin is currently under investigation by the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions concerning his stay on the 14th floor of the Police General Hospital.
Last week, the Medical Council of Thailand issued a disciplinary ruling against the doctors involved in the case.
The decision is now pending a review by Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin.
Paetongtarn stated on Tuesday (May 13) that the matter remains unresolved and that no member of the Medical Council has officially confirmed whether or not Thaksin is genuinely ill.
She assured the public that everything is proceeding in accordance with judicial procedures.
She also clarified that the Medical Council's ruling does not affect Thaksin personally, stating: 'My father is ready to explain the facts as they are.'
She added that the government is prepared to provide a clear explanation to the public regarding Thaksin's medical condition prior to his return to Thailand.
The Prime Minister stressed that Thaksin's case occurred before she assumed office, and noted that certain parties are trying to create misunderstandings, suggesting that she has interfered in the judicial process.
She affirmed that she has no authority to intervene in any way.
Paetongtarn acknowledged that the case has affected the Pheu Thai-led government, but insisted: 'What we can do is explain the facts based on evidence and what has actually happened.'
She reiterated that Thaksin is indeed ill and confirmed that this position has remained unchanged over the past week.
Regarding the disciplinary action taken by the Medical Council, she said the three doctors involved will have the opportunity to provide further clarification during the next phase of the proceedings. - The Nation/ANN
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