(Dan Tri) – Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the youngest daughter of Thaksin Shinawatra, spoke about her father’s health when the former Prime Minister of Thailand was serving an 8-year prison sentence.
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his daughter at Don Muang Airport in Bangkok on August 22 (Photo: AFP).
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is stressed and tired but in good spirits, his daughter said August 29, as opinions were mixed that he was being treated differently from other members of the public and other prisoners.
Thaksin, 74, returned home on August 22 after more than 15 years of exile abroad. Shortly after the plane landed at Bangkok airport, he was taken to the Supreme Court and sentenced to 8 years in prison with three sentences. He was taken to the detention center of the Klong Prem prison complex in Bangkok.
A few hours later he was hospitalized. Thailand’s Department of Corrections said Mr Thaksin’s health was considered vulnerable due to age, chronic heart and lung conditions, high blood pressure and back problems.
“My father was very happy to see me. He was tense and tired, but in a good mood,” said Ms. Paetongtarn.
Visiting her father in the hospital, Ms. Paetongtarn said that Mr. Thaksin experienced complications after being infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus in 2020, and her heart condition was her biggest concern.
There has been controversy over claims that Thaksin was given special treatment compared to other prisoners when he did not have to cut his hair like a prisoner in Thailand. His quick hospitalization after serving time in prison prompted calls for proof that he was indeed ill.
When asked about these controversies, Patongtarn replied that she was only concerned about Thaksin’s illness. According to her, the length of his stay in the hospital depends on the medical staff.
She also said that she did not see any documents showing that Thaksin asked for a pardon from the Thai royal family. This process, she stressed, takes time and depends on her father.
According to Thai law, prisoners have the right to apply for a royal pardon on the first day of their imprisonment. However, if this attempt is not approved, a second pardon application will have to wait two years after the first.