Bangkok: The Prime Minister avoids answering the media regarding the Medical Council's resolution.
According to Thai News Agency, the Prime Minister was notably absent from interviews at the Sanam Luang Ceremonial Ground following the Royal Ploughing Ceremony of 2025. The media had gathered to query her about the Medical Council's resolution concerning former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's treatment at the Police General Hospital. Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, the Prime Minister, sidestepped media questions, citing her attire-a regular white dress-as a reason for not engaging. She humorously questioned Dr. Prommin Lertsuridej, the Prime Minister's Secretary-General, about the appropriateness of her dress before departing the scene.
Mr. Surawong Thienthong, Minister of Tourism and Sports and Secretary-General of the Pheu Thai Party, also avoided media engagement. The media sought answers about the Medical Council's decision to reprimand one doctor and suspend the licenses of two others for misconduct related to Mr. Thaksin's treatment. Mr. Surawong maintained that the issue was a Medical Council matter and should not be politicized. He reiterated that the situation concerning Mr. Thaksin would proceed through established channels.
When questioned about the potential political ramifications of the Medical Council's decision, Mr. Surawong suggested that any escalation in political tension would be media-driven. He assured that all matters were progressing as expected and dismissed concerns about any impact on the government's operations, especially as the Prime Minister assumed office post-Thaksin's release.
Addressing the Supreme Court's dismissal of Mr. Thaksin's request to travel to Qatar, Mr. Surawong noted that Mr. Thaksin had merely exercised his legal right to request permission. The court's decision would stand, and the process would continue accordingly.