Bangkok: Thawee Sodsong, Minister of Justice, addressed the ongoing situation regarding the request for former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's medical records, stating that the Ministry of Justice is prepared to cooperate fully. He highlighted that the matter is currently being handled by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and is following established regulations and legal procedures within the justice system. Thawee emphasized that the NACC is the primary agency responsible for this issue and should be allowed to carry out its duties without interference from other parties.
According to Thai News Agency, Thawee commented on the demands made by a group for the Police General Hospital, under the Royal Thai Police, to hand over Thaksin's medical records to the Medical Council and the NACC. He noted that the agency in question must determine whether the request is valid and decide if the records should be provided without media involvement. Thawee also voiced concerns about the selective response of human rights organizations, which he believes have not consistently addressed issues of personal rights, citing the case of Bank Lester as an example.
Thawee further explained that the request for Thaksin's medical records falls within the private sector's rights, and it is important to respect these rights. He urged all parties to refrain from interfering once the matter is under NACC consideration and to uphold the law and the independence of relevant organizations.
Regarding the Corrections Department's role, Thawee assured that if the NACC requests Thaksin's medical records or related documents, the department is willing to comply, provided legal procedures are followed. He mentioned that overlapping laws might require careful examination, particularly concerning patient consent for disclosing medical information. Thawee acknowledged that the NACC has the authority to gather evidence under new legislation, necessitating detailed legal review by both parties to ensure compliance and transparency.
Thawee reiterated that the Ministry of Justice is not concerned about opposition parties potentially using this issue for political gain in a no-confidence motion. He assured that there is nothing to conceal, and all actions are within the legal framework. He also dismissed criticisms of past agency conduct and stressed the importance of clear communication and understanding to prevent the situation from escalating.