Bangkok: Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin expressed confidence that he will not need to request an extension for considering the Medical Council's resolution regarding the 14th floor investigation.
According to Thai News Agency, Somsak emphasized his commitment to adhering to the legal framework and highlighted the necessity of amending the law if it is deemed that there is overlapping authority within the council.
Somsak revealed that he has received information from the Medical Council's committee regarding the reprimand of three doctors on the 14th floor. The information has been submitted for the special president's consideration under Section 25 of the Medical Profession Act B.E. 2525. The investigation process involves several committees, starting with the special subcommittee on ethics, followed by the subcommittee on investigation, the subcommittee on screening, and finally, the Medical Council Committee comprising 70 members. Somsak mentioned that he has requested information twice from these committees and is awaiting a response to proceed with further meetings and decisions.
Somsak further stated his intention to consider consistent information under Section 25 and to take into account the committee's opinions. He questioned the necessity of changing the law to prevent potential legal issues, asserting that any lack of compliance with existing laws could result in legal consequences.
Addressing the situation regarding former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's health, Somsak assured that all necessary considerations have been made. He stressed the importance of careful deliberation to avoid accusations of dereliction of duty under Section 157, emphasizing the need to operate within the scope of their authority.
Somsak also acknowledged having reviewed the petitions from two police hospital doctors and has requested documents from the Medical Council to ensure consistency with the doctors' requests. In response to criticisms suggesting the committee's establishment might constitute malfeasance, Somsak reiterated the importance of legal compliance for all involved, particularly the Medical Council's committees, to avoid violating Section 157.