POLITICS SURAYUD'S HEALTH GETS NEWS CREWS SCRAMBLING

PM admitted to hospital for 'regular check-up'

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont abruptly cancelled official engagements yesterday to undergo a health check-up which is expected to be completed on Thursday. News crews flocked to Bangkok Hospital after learning from their sources that Gen Surayud had been admitted there. Gen Surayud is said to have developed a cold after returning from Japan on Thursday.

His personal physician Prinya Thavichaigarn said Gen Surayud's hospital visit was a ''normal annual medical check-up'', which had been postponed several times due to his busy schedule.

The doctor said: ''The prime minister is fit and strong. He has enough physical strength to do his duties for the country.''

In an electro-cardiogram, Gen Surayud was able to run on a treadmill for nine minutes straight with constant blood pressure and heart rate, Dr Prinya said, adding that the 64-year-old prime minister's heart was as strong as that of a 40-year-old.

No abnormalities were detected, he said. The check, which normally takes about half an hour, must be extended over a couple of days because Gen Surayud has a record of colon problems, said Dr Prinya, who is a colorectal surgeon.

Eight years ago, Gen Surayud suffered from diverticula of the colon, a disease found in one in three people in their 60s. Though he recovered, he was advised to have his colon checked regularly. For the check-up, he must eat only plain boiled rice for two days prior to a colonoscopy.

All examination results will be available on Thursday and the prime minister should be discharged from hospital that day, the doctor said. Dr Prinya said he has been Gen Surayud's personal doctor since his days as army chief.

The surgeon holds the rank of a major-general and is a son-in-law of Gen Arthit Kamlang-ek, a former army chief.

He said Gen Surayud was healthy, although he had high blood pressure and high levels of cholesterol and uric acid, normal for someone of his age.

The examination showed the prime minister was not under stress, Dr Prinya said, adding that this was because Gen Surayud practised meditation.

The doctor said Gen Surayud was a determined man and would never give up working for the country.

His view was echoed by Gen Surayud's close aide, Lt-Gen Ninnat Biewkaimook, who has been with Gen Surayud for 15 years. ''He will never give up. Under high pressure, he will give his very best,'' said Lt-Gen Ninnat.

Bangkok Post

Last Updated : Tuesday April 10, 2007