Court seals evidence presented during Thaksin’s hospital stay hearing

The Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for holders of Political Offices sealed witness testimonies, and details of documents presented during today’s hearing in the case concerning former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s controversial stay in the Police General Hospital, while purportedly serving a prison sentence.

The court stated that, during previous hearings, witness testimonies given in court were distributed through various media outlets, which may have enabled subsequent witnesses to access prior testimonies, which may prevent the court from obtaining the whole truth.

The court also noted that the distribution of witness testimonies given during the hearings could lead to public confusion and leaks of Thaksin’s confidential health condition.

The court summoned five witnesses for the hearing today. They are:

Dr. Ruamthip Supanon, a doctor at the Corrections Department’s hospital, who conducted the physical examination of Thaksin when he arrived at the Bangkok Remand Prison on August 22nd, 2023

Dr. Notthaporn Piyasin, the doctor who was on duty at the Corrections Department’s hospital on the same day

Tanyapisit Khabuan, the duty nurse on August 22nd, 2023

Jiraporn Meenuanchuen, a medic who treated Thaksin

Chamon Markchan, a medic who also treated Thaksin

During the hearing today, the court questioned Dr. Ruamthip about her writing, in advance, of a certificate for the transfer of Thaksin to the Police General Hospital.

Dr. Notthaporn was questioned by the court about his role in the diagnosis of Thaksin, without actually examining his physical condition, and his recommendation that the former prime minister be transferred to the Police General Hospital.

The duty nurse, Tanyapisit Khabuan, was questioned over his recommendation that Thaksin be transferred without examining his physical condition and, particularly, how he was able to claim that Thaksin was critically ill.

The next hearing has been scheduled for July 8.