Thailand’s medical council suspends two doctors in false report scandal

The Medical Council of Thailand has voted to suspend two doctors involved in the controversial hospital stay of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

According to reports, the council vice president Prasit Watanapa confirmed that over two-thirds of members backed the decision.

He said that members relied on medical principles, evidence, and reason to reach the verdict.

The two suspended doctors allegedly submitted false medical reports that prolonged Thaksin’s hospital detention.

Both denied any wrongdoing and stood by their medical assessments.

A third doctor from the Department of Corrections received an official warning.

The council ruled that he failed to meet basic standards in a referral letter for Thaksin’s hospital transfer.

The decision overrides a veto by Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin, a known Thaksin ally.

The disciplinary action could impact an upcoming Supreme Court case on Friday.

The case will examine the legality of Thaksin’s hospital stay and may result in him serving additional jail time.

Thaksin, now 75, was once sentenced to eight years in prison for corruption.

Thailand’s king later commuted his sentence to one year, and Thaksin became eligible for parole after six months.

Despite no formal government role, Thaksin still wields immense influence in Thai politics.

His return from exile last year reignited political tensions.

His daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, currently leads the ruling Pheu Thai party.

The party is now battling declining popularity amid economic stagnation and unresolved border disputes with Cambodia.

Thaksin’s lawyer declined to comment on Thursday’s suspension ruling.

The council has not yet confirmed the length of the doctors’ suspensions.

The controversy surrounding Thaksin’s brief incarceration has fueled public skepticism.

Many believe the tycoon received privileged treatment while ordinary prisoners faced harsher conditions.

Activists and opposition figures have accused the government of shielding Thaksin from justice.

Paetongtarn’s administration is under growing pressure to take a firmer stance on corruption and elite privilege.

The hospital scandal has further strained public trust in Thailand’s healthcare and correctional systems.

The outcome of Friday’s court case may redefine the limits of political immunity in Thailand.

Observers say the verdict could also influence the future of Paetongtarn’s government.

Critics argue that allowing Thaksin to dodge prison undermines democratic accountability.

The suspension of the doctors signals a rare assertion of professional integrity by the medical council.

But whether justice will be served remains to be seen as Thailand braces for the next legal battle.

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