Activists threaten to pile pressure over Thaksin staying at hospital

ACTIVISTS gathered in front of the Government House to raise their objection to de facto Pheu Thai boss-cum-convict Thaksin Shinawatra staying at Police Hospital for 141st day today (Jan. 12) and threatened to escalate their rally if the government is unable to clarify this issue to the public, Naewna newspaper said.

The gathering at Chamai Maruchet bridge area to brief the press of their stance was participated by Mr. Phichit Chaiyamongkol, leader of Network of Students and People for Reform of Thailand, Mr. Nasser Yeema, Dr. Tul Sittisomwong and members of a coalition of multi-coloured shirts.

While press conference was still proceeding some member of the People’s Centre to Protect the Monarchy came in a convoy blowing whistles and announced over an amplifier pickup truck that they will step up their movement if the government is unable give an answer about this case to the public and threatened to camp at this site for two nights and three days.

Phichit said this gathering is to show the power of the people in disagreeing with the Corrections Department extending Thaksin’s stay at Police Hospital for more than 120 days.

They are also gathering signatures to submit to the President of the Supreme Court to prosecute those involved in allegedly helping Thaksin stay out of jail.

He added that on Tuesday Jan. 16 his group will be meeting the National Anti-Corruption Commission about their petition to speed up investigation into scandals over the handling of Thaksin’s case by the Corrections Department and Police Hospital.

Dr. Tul said he had checked the Corrections Department regulations which stipulated that if a prisoner is mentally ill or has a contagious illness he/she is allowed to get treatment at a hospital outside.

He alleged that a story has been created to help Thaksin stay out of jail with the help of some doctors which is against medical ethics.

Sending him to a special hospital room is also against medical principles, he said, adding that the procedure for a sick prisoner is to be first examined at the emergency room and if the symptoms are not severe to be sent back to jail.

If further treatment is required the prisoner must be placed in an ICU, not a special room.

Dr Tul added that he is going to file a lawsuit against those involved under Section 157 of the criminal code and also file a complaint with the Medical Council.

CAPTION:

A gathering near the Government House to get an answer from the government about de facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra’s continued stay at Police Hospital. Photos: Naewna