Kanokwan Jiuchueapun, deputy spokeswoman of the Department of Corrections, gave a statement clarifying the situation yesterday (Sept 22), reports the Bangkok Post.
“There has been no change. He is still at Klong Prem Central Prison. His condition remains one of fatigue and body aches, which are normal for someone of his age. A prison doctor will examine him as scheduled today,” she said.
Thaksin was earlier reported to be experiencing fatigue and some body pain, which officials described as typical for a man of his age (76).
Pol Lt Col Shane Kanchanapach, the department’s deputy director-general, said on the weekend that Thaksin developed cervical spondylosis last Friday and wanted treatment.
Thaksin was later returned to Klong Prem prison after the check-up.
Pol Lt Col Shane added Thaksin’s overall condition was normal and he was able to eat meals in prison, though some concerns remained.
Any out-of-cell treatment for Thaksin was treated by critics with high degree of wariness after the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions ruled on Sept 9 Thaksin must serve the one-year prison sentence imposed on him two years ago as the time he spent on the 14th floor of the luxury ward at the Police General Hospital did not count as his term of incarceration.
Earlier yesterday morning, Thaksin’s lawyer, Winyat Chartmontree, coordinated with prison staff to arrange a family visit.
Thaksin’s middle daughter, Pintongta Kunakornwong, and her brother-in-law, Pitak Suksawat - husband of Paetongtarn Shinawatra - arrived at Klong Prem Central Prison to see him.
This marks the third family visit since Thaksin began serving his sentence. Ms Paetongtarn, his youngest daughter and head of the Pheu Thai Party, did not accompany them due to prior commitments. She later confirmed at party headquarters that she plans to visit her father on Sept 25.
A group of red-shirt supporters from provinces including Pathum Thani, Chon Buri, and Kanchanaburi, as well as a foreign supporter from the Netherlands, gathered outside the prison to show solidarity.
Meanwhile, Ms Kanokwan reiterated that rumours that Thaksin has remained out of prison are false. “There has been no hospital transfer (for Thaksin),” she stressed.