Thaksin said the decision to return home had nothing to do with the Phu Thai party’s bid for power. However, according to the news agency APMany believe the party has struck a deal with pro-military parties to facilitate the return of the 74-year-old billionaire.
Mr Thaksin at Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok on 22 August. Photo: Reuters
After Mr. Thaksin was taken to the Bangkok remand prison, Aryut Sintophan, director of the Department of Corrections, confirmed that Mr. Thaksin would be kept safe inside the prison.
Aryut Sintopphan said the Bangkok remand prison would have to designate a special building or place for relatives and supporters to meet the former prime minister.
As Mr Thaksin is elderly (he turned 74 last month) he will be well looked after so that he does not fall ill during his detention.
The Director-General of the Department of Corrections said prison officials had profiled Mr. Thaksin as a new inmate, and doctors at the prison hospital had checked his health.
Mr. Thaksin is classified as “vulnerable” because of his age and chronic ailments. Mr. Thaksin has problems with blood pressure, lungs, heart and spine.
Sithi Sutheewong, deputy director of correctional services, told The Nation that doctors at the prison hospital noticed that Thaksin fell ill easily and needed constant monitoring by doctors.
As a new prisoner, Thaksin will be kept in isolation for at least 10 days. He is currently being kept in isolation in the prison’s medical ward and will be monitored around the clock due to health and safety concerns.
Mr. Ayut Sintopant also said: “The rule is to cut the crab part. But if it is not too long, there is no need to rush. In prison, hair needs to be cut according to the rules, but Mr. Thaksin won’t.” Live like normal prisoners. We also have to consider his age.”
Mr Thaksin (centre) with his children and grandchildren in an airport lounge after returning home on 22 August. Photo: Instagram
After leaving the airport on the morning of 22 August, Mr. Thaksin paid his respects to the portraits of the king and queen placed next to the entrance. He took a moment to greet supporters and media waiting in front of the station but did not speak.
Hours before his arrival, hundreds of his supporters gathered outside the airport, dressed in red (a color associated with Thaksin) and carrying a welcome message.
Immediately following his appearance at the Supreme Court, Mr. Thaksin was moved under tight security to the Bangkok Remand Jail at the Klong Prem Prison Complex.
According to the news agency APThe prime ministerial candidate of Pheu Thai (a party affiliated with former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra) is Sretha Thawisin, former chief executive officer of Sansiri PLC Real Estate Development. Earlier, Phu Thai announced a coalition of 11 parties to form a new government with 314 of the 500 seats in the House of Representatives.
Mr Shretha Thavisin, 60, is not an MP and does not appear to vote.
