A recent post by the popular Facebook page "Mor Lab Panda" sparked public debate after revealing an order requiring civil servants from various hospital departments in Phetchabun Province to attend the national flag salute every Monday at 8:00 AM.
The post included an image of an unofficial document, lacking source and signature, which stated: “National flag ceremony and anthem every Monday at 8:00 AM in front of the Phetchabun Government Center. Each hospital department is requested to send at least two representatives, totaling three, to participate as per the attached schedule.”
"Mor Lab Panda" also shared a chat conversation in which a person claimed an unknown order mandated hospital staff to attend the ceremony at the provincial hall every Monday morning. The message added that many colleagues were forced to go, affecting their ability to treat patients — their primary duty — leading to longer wait times.
The page commented, “Oh my! Hospital staff already have heavy workloads, and now they’re expected to stand for the flag ceremony at the provincial hall every Monday at 8 AM too.”
Public reactions in the comments included:
- “Of course, this is the kind of order that comes from out-of-touch ivory tower officials.”
- “Patients start queuing from 5 AM.”
- “Whoever gave the order must be using their head as decoration.”
- “They’ll probably come out and say it was a misunderstanding.”
- “It’s sad that ceremonial duties are prioritized over healthcare. In hospitals, even a second matters for saving lives.”