Thaksin Shinawatra was hospitalized after returning from self-exile.
The 74-year-old Thaksin, the millionaire creator of the populist juggernaut Pheu Thailand, was not in the best of health as of late; his heart and high blood pressure were both being questioned.
According to a statement from the Corrections Department, at around two in the morning on Wednesday, Thaksin was referred to the police hospital in Bangkok after experiencing chest tightness and high blood pressure.
On Tuesday, political ally Srettha Thavisin, who was chosen as prime minister in a parliamentary vote later that day, was overshadowed by dramatic scenes as Thaksin returned home and was led to jail.
Srettha, the leader of the Pheu Thai Party, was appointed prime minister after receiving royal approval, a member of parliament said.
Thaksin was hospitalized, according to the police, since the prison was unable to ensure that he would receive the proper care.
Asst. National Police Chief Lieutenant General Prachuab Wongsuk stated, “The prison has assessed the situation and saw that it lacks doctors and medical equipment that can take care of the patient.”
After being found guilty of abusing his position of power and engaging in conflicts of interest, the Supreme Court confirmed on Tuesday that Thaksin would be sentenced to eight years in prison.
According to Ayuth Sintoppant, director general of the Corrections Department, when Thaksin was transported during the night, he was accompanied by eight prison guards.
The most well-known politician in Thailand made a triumphant comeback, and the media covered both his private jet’s arrival in Bangkok and his subsequent transport to prison.
