Watchara Phetthong demands probe into Thaksin’s hospital stay amid preferential treatment claims

Watchara Phetthong, a veteran Democrat and former Member of Parliament, has urged the House panel overseeing police affairs to investigate the circumstances surrounding the hospitalisation of the ex-prime minister, 74 years old Thaksin Shinawatra. Accusations of preferential treatment have been fuelled by an undisclosed photograph of Thaksin seen enjoying pool time with his grandchild.

At a press conference to highlight his demand, Phetthong presented the contentious photograph. Thaksin was admitted to Police General Hospital on the night of August 22, barely 13 hours after his incarceration, and has remained there since. Both the Royal Thai Police and the Corrections Department have refuted claims of Thaksin receiving any special privileges.

“The focus of the inquiry should be on the criteria that Thaksin met to qualify for medical…