The Medical Council of Thailand announced on 8 May 2025 that it has imposed disciplinary measures against three doctors involved in the controversial hospital stay of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra during his one-year prison sentence. The decision follows an investigation into whether medical protocols were properly observed when Thaksin was admitted to Police General Hospital in Bangkok, a matter that has drawn significant political scrutiny.
The Council determined that one physician failed to meet professional standards and issued a formal warning. Two other doctors have had their medical licenses suspended after they were found to have provided information that did not accurately reflect the medical facts related to Thaksin’s condition. The disciplinary actions will be submitted to the Minister of Public Health for final approval before they take full effect.
Prof. Dr. Prasit Watanapa, First Vice President of the Medical Council, said there was no clear evidence that Thaksin had a life-threatening condition during his extended hospitalization. “We have issued these penalties based on the information available. The suspension of medical licenses is considered a serious measure,” he stated. He noted that the exact duration of the suspensions is pending approval by the Minister, after which further details will be announced in a press conference.
Dr. Prasit emphasized that the Council’s decision was guided solely by medical ethics and legal provisions, adding, “We are not influenced by external factors or the identity of the patient. Our conclusion has been made in accordance with the Medical Profession Act. The resolution is not final until it is ratified by the Minister.”
The case has fueled political debate, particularly among groups critical of Thaksin. His prolonged stay on the 14th floor of Police General Hospital sparked allegations of preferential treatment, with critics calling for a thorough investigation. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin’s daughter, has repeatedly maintained that her father was genuinely ill and underwent surgery. During a parliamentary session in March 2025, she rejected opposition claims that her father’s hospital stay was politically motivated, which some linked to supposed political bargains made when the Pheu Thai Party formed a coalition government.
On the same day as the Council’s announcement, a court dismissed Thaksin’s request to travel abroad after he received an invitation from the ruler of Qatar. The court ruled that the matter was personal and denied permission under Section 112 of the Criminal Code.
Officials involved in the Medical Council’s deliberations included Prof. Dr. Prasit Watanapa and other board members, while public attention remains focused on Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and opposition figures who continue to scrutinize the circumstances surrounding Thaksin’s medical treatment.
