Demonstrators voice opposition towards Somsak prior to Medical Council's assembly
Flared Tensions: Demonstrators Accuse Public Health Minister Somsak of Interfering with Medical Council Vote
A crowd of protestors descended upon the Public Health Ministry on Wednesday, forcefully expressing their disapproval of Minister Somsak Thepsutin. The embodiment of this outrage was his perceived meddling in the Medical Council of Thailand's forthcoming decision regarding the punishments meted out to three doctors associated with the Thaksin Shinawatra case.
Helmed by the Network of Students and People for Reform of Thailand (NSPRT) and the Dharma Army, the rally's leaders included Pichit Chaimongkol, Charnchai Issara Senarak, and Jatuporn Promphan.
Medical Council's Impending Verdict on Controversial Doctors
The demonstration took place a day before the medical council's scheduled meeting on Thursday, presaging the vote on whether to reaffirm a resolution from May 8. This resolution involved a warning for one doctor and the suspension of licenses for two others, sanctions imposed due to their opinions that facilitated Thaksin Shinawatra's prolonged stay at Police General Hospital (PGH) instead of Bangkok Remand Prison.
Allegations of Undue Pressure and Protests
Demonstrators initially congregated near the Public Health Permanent Secretary Office, where Somsak's office is located, and subsequently moved to the medical council building. The protest leaders conveyed their apprehensions that Somsak's presence at Thursday's meeting would elicit undue pressure on the 70 council members.
Pichit contended during the rally, "It's already wrong for him to veto the council's resolution, but now he's planning to attend the meeting, which shows clear intent to interfere."
Somsak's Past Veto and Council's Requirement for Two-Thirds Majority
On May 8, the Medical Council had initially decided to discipline three doctors whose opinions supported Thaksin's extended stay outside prison. However, Somsak, in his role as Public Health Minister, had vetoed the decision. To reaffirm the resolution, the Council now requires a two-thirds majority in Thursday's vote.
Calls to Preserve Council's Independence and Ethical Governance
Protesters called on Somsak to respect the council's independent process and uphold the principles of justice and the nation. Charnchai stressed that Somsak had invalidated the council's decision using technical legal arguments, despite the resolution being based on the doctors' medical assessments, not prison law. He also threatened to file a complaint with the National Anti-Corruption Commission in two weeks, alleging abuse of power.
Prompting Resistance Against Political Interference
Jatuporn encouraged doctors and ministry officials to stand firm against alleged political manipulation, drawing parallels with past resistance during the Yingluck Shinawatra administration. "If Somsak wants to embarrass himself, let him attend the meeting," Jatuporn suggested.
TAGS* medical council* Somsak* protest* Thaksin
- The demonstration against Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin centers around allegations of his interference in the Medical Council of Thailand's decision regarding the punishment of three doctors associated with the Thaksin Shinawatra case, which is expected to be voted on shortly.
- The protestors, led by the Network of Students and People for Reform of Thailand (NSPRT) and the Dharma Army, fear that Somsak's presence at the medical council's meeting would exert undue pressure on the council members, potentially influencing the outcome of the vote.
- The upcoming vote on Thursday is significant as it requires a two-thirds majority to reaffirm a resolution from May 8, which imposed disciplinary actions on the three doctors due to their opinions that facilitated Thaksin Shinawatra's prolonged stay at Police General Hospital (PGH) instead of Bangkok Remand Prison.
- Protesters are urging Somsak to respect the Medical Council's independent process, uphold the principles of justice, and avoid political interference in health policy and legislation, drawing comparisons with past resistance during the Yingluck Shinawatra administration.
