On July 15, 2025, Thailand’s Supreme Court Criminal Division for Political Office Holders questioned six senior officials from the Corrections Department in its ongoing inquiry into the extended hospital stay of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
The hearing marked the fourth day of proceedings in the high-profile case, which concerns Thaksin’s prolonged admission to the Police General Hospital (PGH) rather than his incarceration at Bangkok Remand Prison. Thaksin, convicted and sentenced to prison in 2023, has spent much of his sentence in hospital care.
Officials questioned included current Corrections Department chief Sahakarn Petnarin; deputy chief and department spokesman Sitthi Sutheewong; deputy chief Charn Wachiradet; and Natthee Thongplad, former warden of Bangkok Remand Prison.
The court focused its three-hour questioning on whether Thaksin’s transfer to hospital complied with the Corrections Act and associated regulations. Specifically, justices sought clarification on:
- Whether the transfer was consistent with treatment provided to other inmates over the age of 70
- Who authorized Thaksin’s stay at PGH, which was extended from 30 days to eventually 180 days
- Whether proper medical monitoring and follow-up took place during his hospital stay
- Whether officials had the authority or obligation to return him to the Corrections Department’s medical facility
- And the handling of a medical diagnosis that reportedly called for surgery, which Thaksin declined in favor of medication
The case has drawn considerable public attention, with critics questioning whether Thaksin received preferential treatment compared to other inmates. The court is expected to continue hearings as it assesses the legality of decisions made by Corrections Department personnel.
