Former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra Moved to Prison Medical Wing Amid Health Concerns

TDT | Bangkok

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Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been transferred to the medical wing of Bangkok's Klong Prem prison, officials confirmed on Monday, citing his age and chronic health conditions.

Thaksin, 76, was ordered by Thailand's Supreme Court last week to serve a one-year prison sentence after it ruled that he had improperly served a 2023 sentence in a hospital suite rather than a prison cell.

A telecommunications tycoon and one of Thailand’s wealthiest figures, Thaksin has long been a polarizing figure in the country’s political landscape, leading a family dynasty that has clashed with the pro-monarchy, pro-military establishment for over two decades.

His political influence has waned in recent months. Last month, his daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra was removed from the position of prime minister by a court order, and Thaksin is now serving time behind bars.

A senior corrections official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that Thaksin “has relocated to stay at the medical wing due to his age and his health condition with chronic disease.” The official did not specify whether the move was for precautionary reasons or to receive treatment.

Thaksin’s family, including ex-premier Paetongtarn, along with her mother and older sister, were among the first visitors to see him on Monday following a mandatory quarantine period. After a 30-minute visit, Paetongtarn told reporters that Thaksin’s hair had been shaved in accordance with prison regulations.

“He is in good health. He has some blood pressure issues, but it’s normal for anyone under the stress of imprisonment,” she said.

Thaksin first served as Thailand’s prime minister from 2001 to 2006 and again in 2005, before going into self-imposed exile after a military coup cut short his second term.