Former leader Thaksin Shinawatra stated today that he did not pretend to be sick and was genuinely unwell when he was taken to the Police General Hospital for medical care, but he is in good spirits, which improved his health.
He acknowledged, however, that he still has issues with his neck and back, as well as the consequences of COVID-19 infections, when he was very sick and was treated in the ICU for nine days, mentioning that there are still areas on his lungs.
When asked about widespread doubt about his illness, Thaksin said he doesn't mind, but requested understanding and sympathy for a 75-year-old man who had been away from his home country for a long time and has just returned.
Thaksin said there are still people who dislike him and it's best for him and them to stay away from each other.
The former leader mentioned that he has made an effort to come to terms with being 75, but he refuses to accept that he is old and does not want to become one.
During his three days in Chiang Mai, Thaksin said he felt rejuvenated after meeting his old friends and had missed Thai cuisine, culture, and his family during his time abroad.
He stated that PM2.5 pollution in Chiang Mai is a very serious problem and it is being addressed by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.
He also mentioned that today's problems are more intricate than the issues his government faced almost two decades ago, advising politicians and bureaucrats to work closely together to tackle them.
When questioned about the events since his return to Thailand last August and his release from the Police General Hospital in March, Thaksin said the events are unreal and should come to a halt.