Thaksin's Physician Controversy: New Developments Involving Somsak
Thailand's Public Health Minister, Somsak Thepsutin, has partially disagreed with the Medical Council of Thailand's (MCT) ruling regarding three doctors linked to the medical treatment of former premier Thaksin Shinwatra, according to his advisor.
Thanakrit Jitareerat, an adviser to Mr. Somsak, stated that the minister's response follows a series of meetings by a panel appointed by him to review the MCT's resolution, which suspended two senior doctors of the Police General Hospital (PGH) and issued a warning to a third at the Department of Corrections Hospital. The MCT concluded that the doctors' certificates had exaggerated Thaksin's medical condition, thereby enabling his extended stay at the PGH in lieu of serving prison time.
Mr. Thanakrit explained that the public health minister did not outright reject the MCT's resolution but instead partially disagreed with it and offered feedback for the MCT's consideration. Minister Somsak also provided comments on the MCT's actions on a case-by-case basis, Mr. Thanakrit added.
The MCT's board will now consider the minister's feedback, with no order given for a review, according to the minister's aide. Earlier this week, Mr. Somsak had expressed concerns about the review process regarding the three doctors and emphasized the need for an evaluation of all legal and medical aspects before making a decision on whether to veto the MCT resolution.
Meanwhile, two Senate committees have decided to conduct a study into the powers of the Department of Corrections and the PGH, following the MCT's findings. The study, anticipated to take 45 days, is not intended to interfere with these agencies' work or be politically motivated, as per Pol Lt. Gen. Boonchan Nuansai, a member of the Senate committee on legal affairs and justice. Dr. Prapon Tangsrikiatkul, a member of the Senate committee on public health, noted that the ethical misconduct raised concerns about trust in the medical profession and public health system.
Suriyasai Katasila, a former coordinator of the yellow-shirt People's Alliance for Democracy, cautioned Mr. Somsak against interfering with professional organizations like the MCT. The exact status of the MCT's decision regarding the three doctors remains uncertain, as the MCT will hold a meeting on June 12, 2025, to discuss the matter further. The decision on the duration of the suspensions is now dependent on the Minister's approval, which has been vetoed, temporarily halting the disciplinary actions recommended by the MCT.
The public health minister, Somsak Thepsutin, has partially disagreed with the Medical Council of Thailand's (MCT) resolution concerning three doctors, and he has offered feedback for the MCT's consideration. This situation comes amidst an anticipated 45-day study by two Senate committees into the powers of the Department of Corrections and the Police General Hospital (PGH), following the MCT's findings, emphasizing general news and health-and-wellness concerns, as well as political debates about the role of professional organizations like the MCT in the medical field, specifically regarding cases such as these that may involve medical-conditions and politics.
