On August 5, Bangkok Post reported that amid the wave of suspicions about former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra - father of the Prime Minister suspended from office Paetongtarn Shinawatra - being treated "special" at the Police Hospital (PGH), the Commander-in-Chief of the Thai National Police - General Kittharath Punpetch - has officially established a truth verification committee to investigate the violations of the two senior officers - who were also doctors who headed the hospital.
The two main figures in the public storm are Lieutenant General Sophonrat Singhajaru - former Director of PGH and Lieutenant General Taweesilp Wechawitarn - current Director of the hospital.
Both were suspended from their practice licenses by the Medical Council of Thailand (MCT) after receiving evidence that they had provided false or misunderstanding medical information about Mr. Thaksin's health condition, in order to allow him to extend his treatment time on the 14th floor - an area that was believed to have special conditions in the hospital.
According to MCT's decision on May 8, Mr. Sophonrat's practice license will be suspended for 3 months, while Mr. Taweesilp will be suspended for 6 months, starting from October 1.
General Kittharath said that because the incident is sensitive, attracting great public attention and is related to internal discipline of the police sector, it is necessary to establish an investigation board according to Articles 117 and 199 of the Thai Royal Police Law.
The head of the verification council is Lieutenant General of Police Thanapol Srisopha - Deputy Inspector General of the State. Other members include Lieutenant General of Kritsada police Kanchana-alongkorn, Major General of police Jenkamon Kamnual - Commander of Inspection Department No. 8 and Major General of Police Songpol Boribanprasert - Commander of Logistics Department.
In addition, 14 other police officers are also participating in the investigation. The task of the council is to comprehensively verify according to the truth investigation regulations of the Police Committee and report to the General Commander of the Police after completion.
General Kittharath also noted that if further violations or involuntary involvement with other police officers are discovered during the investigation, the committee chairman must immediately report them to expand the investigation.
A notable new detail is that Mr. Watchara Petchthong - a former Democratic congressman - will testify before the committee at 1:00 p.m. on August 5. He is believed to be in possession of some information directly related to allegations of favoring treatment for Mr. Thaksin at PGH.
The 14th floor of the Police Hospital has long been considered a "special" treatment area for high-ranking figures. This has sparked criticism of the use of the public health system to serve "individuals with special relationships" instead of following the medical examination and treatment process.
