At 2:00 PM on May 26, at the Ministry of Public Health, Mr. Chainan Ngamkajornkulkit chaired a meeting of the Special Prime Minister’s Council Opinion Committee under Section 25 of the Medical Profession Act B.E. 2525. The meeting was held to consider the Medical Council’s disciplinary action against four doctors involved in treating former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra at the Police Hospital’s 14th floor ward. The meeting lasted 2 hours and 30 minutes.
At 4:30 PM, Lt. Thanakrit Jittareerattana, Assistant to the Minister of Public Health and a committee member, revealed that the meeting involved individual opinions on the case. These opinions varied due to differing documentation and legal interpretations. Some members agreed with the Medical Council’s decision, while others disagreed or suggested modifying the penalties and legal considerations.
He stated that certain legal and ethical aspects remained unclear and required revisions to wording and documents. On May 27, at 2:00 PM, the committee will submit its formal opinions to Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin, who chairs the Special Prime Minister’s Council, for a final decision expected by May 29.
Lt. Thanakrit noted this case is unique because the complaint was not made by the patient, but by a third party. He stressed that only the Special Council holds the authority to endorse or overturn the Medical Council’s resolution. Although the meeting lacked a full quorum—missing one advisor and one representative from the Lawyers Association—it did not impact proceedings.
A major issue was the absence of certain key documents from the Medical Council, such as the names of the screening committee. While the Medical Council claimed all documents had been submitted, the committee found some crucial items missing. Nonetheless, deliberations continued based on the available materials.
Regarding differing opinions within the committee, Lt. Thanakrit explained that while some recommendations aligned with the Medical Council’s stance, others proposed changes or additional legal considerations. Ultimately, the decision lies with Minister Somsak, who has not yet intervened or sought input from the committee members.
The Special Council Committee includes 10 members, chaired by Mr. Chainan Ngamkajornkulkit, and includes advisors, legal experts, and secretaries.