Bangkok: Somsak, Minister of Public Health, revealed that he is preparing to attend a meeting of the Medical Council on June 12. He intends to explain according to the principles and does not intend to pressure anyone.
According to Thai News Agency, Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin gave an interview regarding the meeting of the Medical Council, which will consider the resolution to punish three doctors involved in the treatment of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra at the Police General Hospital. Somsak, serving as the special president of the council, emphasized his intention to attend the meeting. He stated the necessity of understanding and cooperating with the Medical Council while acting in accordance with the law. Somsak expressed his desire to explain and foster understanding to demonstrate his commitment to resolving the issue.
Addressing reports that he, as a commander, ordered some Medical Council members to vote against its resolution, Somsak clarified that he trusts the judgment and intelligence of the doctors. He stressed that protest pressure is not a solution and urged all parties to engage in reasoned dialogue.
Regarding claims that the Medical Council is gathering support for a resolution, Somsak dismissed this notion, attributing it to a misunderstanding of those with good intelligence.
When asked about the secretary’s assignment to submit a letter to the Technology Crime Suppression Center to investigate the ethics of the Medical Council committee over a leaked Line chat, Somsak explained it as a procedural investigation based on complaints. He asserted his legal authority to conduct the investigation, countering Dr. Tul Sitthisomwong’s argument that he lacked such authority. Somsak suggested resolving the issue through discussion.
In response to a clip suggesting a group of Chinese tourists visited Government House with an image of Somsak, he clarified it occurred when he was Deputy Prime Minister. He explained it involved a group of students conducting activities to spread knowledge about national administration, not a tourist visit, and it was unrelated to his current role as Minister of Public Health.