On May 28, a post from the popular Facebook page “Mor Lab Panda” criticized a policy requiring hospital staff in Phetchabun to attend a flag-raising ceremony at the provincial hall every Monday at 8:00 AM. The post read, “Oh my! Hospital work is already overwhelming, and now staff have to attend flag ceremonies too?”
A message from a medical worker also circulated, stating, “An unknown directive is requiring government officers from various hospital departments to attend the national flag ceremony in front of the provincial hall every Monday morning. This delays patient care and disrupts our main medical duties.”
In response, Phetchabun Governor Mr. Saran Yoo Meethongkham clarified that the flag ceremony is part of an ongoing provincial values and ethics initiative organized by the Provincial Culture Office. It has been in place since the tenure of a former governor.
He emphasized that participation from external agencies, such as hospitals, is voluntary and not mandatory. “The hospital director used to attend willingly,” the governor noted, reiterating that the program aims to honor national institutions and is not enforced by command.
Additionally, the governor revealed that due to the recent rainy season and to alleviate discomfort for uniformed personnel, he had already instructed the Culture Office on May 23 to consider suspending or postponing the activity temporarily, prior to the online controversy.