Bangkok: The committee has forwarded its opinion on the Medical Council's punishment of four doctors involved in the hospitalization of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to Somsak Thepsuthin, Minister of Public Health, who acts as Special President. Thanakrit Jit-Aree-rat, Assistant Minister to the Ministry of Public Health, revealed that while the committee's opinion is unanimous, some details are missing but are not crucial. He emphasized that the investigation should remain focused on medical ethics and not be linked to politics.
According to Thai News Agency, the Special President's Advisory Committee recently concluded its meeting concerning the Medical Council's resolution to punish the four doctors. The doctors were involved in transferring Thaksin from the Corrections Department to the 14th floor of the Police General Hospital. The committee submitted their opinions on the doctors to Somsak through a representative, marking the completion of their mission.
Pol. Col. Thanakrit informed the media that the Medical Council's resolution was a collection of varied opinions about the four doctors, examined individually due to the overlap of medical and legal concerns. He noted that the process adhered to the Medical Council's channels but may not have fully considered all legal aspects. The issue involves three agencies: the Medical Council, the Department of Corrections, and the Royal Thai Police, each with its own regulations. The committee recommended considering all elements, including opinions, facts, and laws, as some documents requested from the Medical Council were not provided.
Lieutenant Colonel Thanakrit, addressing doubts about the committee's opinion, stated that there could be no doubts as he had no personal stake in the matter and was acting in his capacity as a lawyer, distinct from the medical profession.
Ultimately, the Medical Council has the final say. Somsak's role involves a legal procedure to provide his opinion on whether to agree or veto the Council's resolution. Somsak has 2-3 days to deliberate before responding to the Medical Council, with a deadline set for May 29.
Mr. Narinpong Jinaphakdi, President of the Lawyers Association of Thailand, stated that if Somsak agrees with the Medical Council's decision, the four doctors will face the imposed punishment. A veto, however, would not impact politics or medicine and would not affect the separate court case scheduled for June 13th. The court possesses information from multiple sources, and the focus on the doctors is solely regarding ethics.
Later, Somsak Thepsuthin indicated his intention to consider the committee's opinions within the required timeframe. He expressed confidence in meeting the deadline, citing the brevity of the information. Whether he would issue a veto remains undetermined. He also noted that the absence of requested documents from the Medical Council would not hinder proceedings, as the committee's existing information is deemed clear and sufficient.