Daughter of ex-Thai leader Thaksin says he is fatigued, as criticism grows of his hospitalisation
- Thaksin returned to Thailand last week after 15 years of self-imposed exile and was immediately sent to prison, but was transferred to a hospital just hours later
- It is believed that the former leader returned out of hope a friendly government would reduce his sentence, and that he may have made a deal with authorities
Corrections officials said Thaksin, 74, was considered vulnerable due to his age, chronic heart and lung conditions, high blood pressure and back problems.
Thaksin, a former police lieutenant colonel, is being treated in a private room at the Police General Hospital, where the director said he was in serious condition with heart and lung problems.
“My dad was happy to see me, very happy. He’s stressed and tired but he is in good spirits,” Paetongtarn Shinawatra told reporters at the headquarters of populist Pheu Thai party, of which she is a key member. Pheu Thai is the latest in a string of parties affiliated with Thaksin that were founded after he was removed from power and his party dissolved.
Paetongtarn said after visiting her father in hospital that he had suffered complications after contracting the coronavirus in 2020 and that she is most worried about his heart condition.
It is widely believed that the divisive former leader returned out of hope that a friendly government would reduce his sentence, and that he may have made a deal with authorities, although Thaksin has said his decision had nothing to do with the Pheu Thai party’s bid for power. The outgoing government said Thaksin can request a royal pardon like any other prisoner.
Paetongtarn said her father will decide when to request a pardon.
There is growing criticism that Thaksin has received special treatment compared to other inmates, including not having to get a prison-style haircut. His swift transfer to the hospital has prompted calls for proof that he is genuinely sick. A conservative-aligned group of activists went to the hospital last week demanding that it release information about his condition and treatment.
Asked about the controversy, Paetongtarn replied only that she was worried about him being sick. She said the duration of his stay is up to the medical staff.