Bangkok: Crowds storm police to demand medical records of 'Thaksin', preparing to escalate protest on 21 Jan. if no answer is received
Representatives of the Student and People's Network for National Reform (SNNRP), the People's Center for the Protection of Institutions (PCD), and the Dharma Army submitted a letter to Pol. Gen. Kittirat Panphet, the national police chief, to inquire about the case in which the Medical Council sent a letter to the Police General Hospital in December 2014. This letter requested documentation of the symptoms and medical records of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra during his stay at the Police General Hospital on the 14th floor. The letter requires a written explanation to be returned by January 15th to the Medical Council's special investigation subcommittee. To manage the situation, 30 police officers from the Metropolitan Police Bureau 6, 20 from the Special Branch Police, and 10 from Pathumwan Police were present to maintain order in front of the Royal Thai Police Office.
According to Thai News Agency, the scene in front of the National Police Office was charged, with a group of individuals wearing yellow shirts and holding signs demanding the release of the former Prime Minister's medical history. Mr. Phichit Chaiyamongkol and Nasser Yeema, along with Mr. Jai Petch Klachan, led the Student and People Network for National Reform (SNRN) and the Dharma Army in submitting a letter. Pol. Col. Natthanawit Sitthaphirom, Deputy Commander of the Office of Information and Communication Technology, received the letter on behalf of the police.
Mr. Pichit stated that the purpose of their visit was to prompt the National Police Chief to expedite the submission of Thaksin Shinawatra's medical records to the Medical Council, which is due in two days. He assured that there would be no overnight stay in front of the Royal Thai Police Office for now. However, if no response is received, they plan to approach Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, the Prime Minister, at Government House on January 21, 2025, as she is seen as the supervisor of the Royal Thai Police Office.
Mr. Pichit emphasized that Ms. Paethongtarn, as Prime Minister, must provide an explanation. The medical records are crucial in verifying accusations against Mr. Thaksin, which involve agencies like the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and the Medical Council. He clarified that their demand is not for personal access to the information, but for its availability to relevant agencies for inspection.
Mr. Jaipetch highlighted the significance of justice for national stability and economic confidence. He believes that if Mr. Thaksin is innocent, he should comply with the request for his medical records. A lack of compliance could imply dishonesty. He noted that if progress stalls, the group might escalate their protest, potentially staying overnight in front of Government House. The focus of the protest is on achieving justice rather than the number of participants.
Following the submission of the letter, Mr. Phichit addressed the gathered crowd before dispersing, with plans to reconvene on January 15th at the Medical Council to follow up on the progress.