Thai Medical Council Upholds Suspension of Doctors Treating Ex-PM Thaksin

The Medical Council of Thailand has upheld disciplinary actions against three doctors involved in the treatment of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra during his prison sentence, overriding a veto by Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin. The Council confirmed that two doctors will have their medical licenses suspended while one will receive a warning, citing failure to meet professional standards and providing incorrect medical information without clear evidence that Thaksin was critically ill. This decision comes ahead of a Supreme Court case challenging the legality of Thaksin's hospital stay instead of jail, which has fueled public outrage and political controversy. Thaksin, a highly influential figure behind the current government, spent six months in a VIP hospital wing after returning from exile, sparking debate over the legitimacy of his medical treatment during incarceration. The Medical Council emphasized that their decision was based on medical principles and evidence, despite concerns raised by Somsak about ethical and procedural issues and the potential impact on doctors’ confidence in treating patients. The Council is expected to formalize the disciplinary orders and notify relevant agencies soon.