Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been transferred from prison to a hospital due to concerns over his high blood pressure and low blood oxygen level after being sent to jail for convictions in criminal cases.

On 23 August 2023,  a 74-year-old Thaksin was transferred from the Bangkok Remand Prison to the Police Hospital by helicopter following a sudden illness during his first night in prison.

Sitthi Sutivong, a spokesperson for the Department of Corrections, stated that the Department of Corrections was informed that Thaksin was experiencing difficulty sleeping, chest tightness, high blood pressure, and low blood oxygen levels.

After reviewing Thaksin’s symptoms, the doctors concluded that he required urgent medical treatment to avoid potential risks that could endanger his life. Due to the lack of appropriate medical equipment, the doctors agreed to transfer him to the Police Hospital, which has medical specialists and better equipment.

The former prime minister arrived at the Police Hospital at 00.30 AM and was taken to the premium patient ward on the 14th floor. Currently, he is being closely monitored by corrections officials while resting.

The Police Hospital clarified that transferring patients from prison to the hospital is usual and in accordance with the memorandum of understanding between the Corrections Department and the police made on 1 May 2020.

Thaksin was sent to the Bangkok Remand Prison after being sentenced to 8 years in prison for convictions in 3 cases. He was closely being monitored and detained in a separate facility to ensure his safety, due to his vulnerable health conditions, including ischemic heart disease, pneumonia, high blood pressure, and spondylosis.