Bangkok: Somsak Thepsuthin, the Minister of Public Health and special president of the Medical Council, attended a crucial meeting with the intent of clarifying and fostering understanding regarding his veto of a resolution that punished three doctors. Somsak emphasized that his participation was in accordance with Section 24 of the Medical Profession Act B.E. 2525, which allows the special president to engage in meetings, express opinions, or submit opinions in writing to the Medical Council.
According to Thai News Agency, the meeting was convened to reconsider Somsak's veto of the Medical Council's decision to penalize the doctors. The council had initially decided to reprimand Dr. Ruamthip Suphanan, suspend the license of Pol. Lt. Gen. Sophonrat Singhajaru, and suspend the professional license of Pol. Lt. Gen. Taweesin Wechavitar under Section 25 of the law. Somsak stated that he only had a 15-day window to consider the matter after it was submitted to him. Due to this limited timeframe and his lack of legal expertise, he appointed a committee to assist in reviewing the resolution, ensuring fair treatment for all involved.
Somsak mentioned that additional documents were requested from the Medical Council three times, with some being approved and others not. The unapproved documents were evaluated by the Ethics Screening Subcommittee. Due to time constraints, Somsak exercised his authority under Section 25 to veto the Medical Council's resolution, explaining why the doctors should not be punished. He saw the meeting as an opportunity for the Medical Council to hear his reasons and understand the rationale behind his veto before the vote.
Somsak addressed allegations against him, stating that he had faced threats and accusations, including calls for his removal from the Minister of Public Health position and pressure from political groups. He stressed that his actions were lawful and aimed at ensuring justice and maintaining appropriate punishment standards for medical professionals. He refuted claims that he attended the meeting to influence the council's decision, emphasizing that his focus was on protecting justice within the medical profession.
He also highlighted the public's perception of the Medical Council, referencing a Nida Poll survey that revealed over 54% of respondents lacked confidence in the council. Somsak called for fairness in the profession and urged efforts to restore public faith, cautioning against actions that might present the council as unjust or damaging to the medical profession.