Medical council to probe more doctors over Thaksin's extended hospital stay

The Medical Council of Thailand will launch a second ethics investigation into doctors alleged to have given unprofessional opinions in support of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s prolonged stay at the Police General Hospital (PGH).

Second round of ethics probe underway

According to a source within the council, at least five doctors will face the second disciplinary probe. This follows a previous investigation in which the council resolved to take action against three doctors.

In its first investigation, concluded on May 8, the council found no clear evidence that Thaksin was seriously ill enough to justify his transfer from Bangkok Remand Prison to a VIP suite on the 14th floor of PGH, where he remained for six months until he was released on parole in February last year.

Three doctors sanctioned in first probe

The council decided to discipline the following three doctors for supporting Thaksin’s extended hospital stay:

• Dr Ruamthip Suphanan, from the Prison Hospital – issued with a formal warning.
• Pol Lt Gen Dr Sopnarush Singhajaru, former chief doctor at PGH, now Assistant Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police.
• Pol Lt Gen Dr Taweesilp Wetchavitarn, current chief doctor at PGH.

Although the resolution was initially vetoed by Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin, the council reaffirmed its decision on June 12 with a two-thirds majority vote.

Next meeting set for July

The council is expected to discuss the launch of the second probe during its monthly meeting, scheduled for Thursday, July 10.

The source noted that the new probe would follow the standard seven-step disciplinary process, beginning anew but with some overlap in personnel from the first investigation to maintain continuity. The council does not intend to rush the process, as the primary investigation has already addressed the core concerns.

At least five more doctors implicated

The council believes at least five additional doctors were involved and aims to clear any remaining doubts through this second probe.

Seven-step disciplinary process

The investigation will follow the Medical Council’s standard seven-step disciplinary procedure:

1. Initial ethics review

A subcommittee on ethics will investigate the doctors in question over four months. This period may be extended by two months if necessary.

2. Screening review

A screening subcommittee will assess the initial findings and provide a recommendation. This step may take one to two months.

3. Council deliberation

The full council will evaluate whether there are sufficient grounds for further investigation. If not, the case is closed. If so, it proceeds to the next step.

4. Formal investigation

An investigative subcommittee will examine the case in detail over six months, determining whether to drop the allegations or confirm professional misconduct.

5. External legal review

A separate screening panel, including outside legal experts, will offer an opinion and help draft the final report.

6. Final council decision

The council will consider the final report and decide on penalties or dismiss the case.

7. Ministerial review

The resolution will be submitted to the public health minister. If vetoed, the council must reaffirm it with a two-thirds majority.