Investigative committee established by police to examine claims of PGH physicians aiding Thaksin Shinawatra
The Office of the Police Commission in Thailand has launched a thorough and careful disciplinary investigation into allegations of misconduct involving two senior police officers, Pol Lt Gen Sophonrat Singhajaru and Pol Lt Gen Taweesilp Wechawitarn.
The investigation, conducted according to the Office of Police Commission regulation on fact-finding investigations (BE 2556), is aimed at gathering evidence about potential violations by the police officers. The investigation stems from accusations that they provided false or misleading medical documents or information regarding the health of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to facilitate his extended hospital stay at the Police General Hospital (PGH).
The investigation comes amidst public interest in the matter and the complexity of the case. National police chief Pol Gen Kittharath Punpetch has appointed a fact-finding committee to oversee the investigation. The committee, formed under Sections 117 and 199 of the Royal Thai Police Act BE 2565, includes deputy national inspector general Pol Lt Gen Thanapol Srisopha, national inspector general Pol Lt Gen Kritsada Kanchana-alongkorn, Pol Maj Gen Jenkamon Kamnual, and Pol Maj Gen Songpol Boribanprasert.
The committee has also enlisted the help of former Democrat Party list MP Watchara Petchthong, who is providing testimony as a witness. Watchara is expected to contribute important information, as he is believed to have relevant material or knowledge related to the case. He is scheduled to appear before the committee on Tuesday at 1pm.
If the committee uncovers evidence of other violations beyond those stated in the current order, or if the investigation implicates other police officers, the committee's chairman must report such findings. Upon completion, the investigation file will be submitted to the police chief for further proceedings.
The medical licences of both accused officers, Sophonrat and Taweesilp, have already been suspended by the Medical Council of Thailand (MCT) on May 8. The suspension periods are three months for Sophonrat and six months for Taweesilp, starting from Oct 1. Both officers were in their roles at the PGH when the alleged misconduct occurred.
The investigation involves Sophonrat, a former PGH chief physician, and Taweesilp, the current chief physician of the PGH. The committee's purpose is to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the allegations, which could potentially be connected to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The investigation aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the Thai police force.
- The complex case involving allegations of misconduct against two senior police officers, Sophonrat and Taweesilp, pertains to the potential violations of health-and-wellness-related information, as they are accused of providing false medical documents for former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, medical-conditions, and the political sphere, the committee's extensive investigation into the misconduct of Sophonrat and Taweesilp is aiming to uphold transparency and accountability in the Thai police force, with implications reaching into the general news, including concerns related to leadership and ethics within the organization.
