Bangkok: “Angkana” believes the Medical Council’s investigation results are significant, denies guessing the court’s decision on June 13. “Angkana” points out that “Somsak” vetoed the Medical Council’s resolution, which has no effect on the consideration of “Thaksin”‘s case in the Supreme Court. She believes that the Medical Council’s investigation results will have weight on this case. She refused to guess the court’s mind on June 13 but hopes to consider using other cases as a precedent as well, because today, the terminal cancer has not yet been treated at an outside hospital.
According to Thai News Agency, Senator Angkana Neelapaijit mentioned the case in which Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin explained the reasons for his ‘veto’ of the Medical Council’s resolution, which may reduce the weight of the evidence in the Supreme Court’s consideration of the case on June 13. She stated that the Medical Council’s resolution is not related to Thaksin Shinawatra or the Corrections Department. The resolution is responsible for supervising doctors and was issued about Thaksin’s illness, addressing whether it was appropriate for him to receive special treatment from experts on the 14th floor of a hospital. Angkana emphasized that some prisoners with serious illnesses receive treatment outside the Corrections Department’s hospital.
Angkana also argued that Mr. Somsak’s veto would not impact the Supreme Court’s decision on June 13. She criticized Mr. Somsak for not respecting the resolution of the Medical Council, which comprises senior medical specialists. Angkana emphasized the importance of maintaining medical ethics and standards, questioning the need for the Medical Council if its resolutions could be easily vetoed by ministers.
Society has long questioned the severity of Thaksin’s illness, Angkana added, pointing out that after leaving the hospital, Thaksin could partake in various activities. She suggested that Thaksin, being a public figure, should be transparent about his health for public interest.
When asked about the Medical Council resolution’s effect on the court’s consideration on June 13, Angkana expressed her belief that it will have no effect. She stated that the court would evaluate whether Thaksin’s illness necessitates treatment outside the prison hospital, considering other prisoners’ treatment standards.
Regarding the Supreme Court’s hearing on June 13, Angkana refrained from speculating on the court’s decision. However, she expressed hope that the court would use the Medical Council’s investigation as evidence and consider other cases as precedents for allowing severely ill prisoners to seek outside treatment.
Angkana concluded by addressing political concerns, stating that she does not foresee a major political shift on June 13. She highlighted ongoing administrative issues under Paethongtarn Shinawatra’s leadership and suggested that the Prime Minister should reflect on these challenges.