Bangkok: "The Network of People Who Want to Protect People" organized a demonstration at the Government House to demand justice for Dr. Suphat Hasuwathuranakit. The protest aimed to urge Deputy Prime Minister Bowornsak Uwannatho, as Chairman of the Civil Service Commission, to initiate a new investigation into Dr. Suphat's dismissal from his civil service position.
According to Thai News Agency, the protest saw participation from multiple groups, including the People's Health Promotion Movement (PHPM), the network of COVID-19 victims, and the Friends of Dr. Suphat group. Key figures such as Mr. Watanyu Saengkaew, Mr. Jekapan Prommongkol, and Ms. Naiyana Yoljohor led the charge, submitting a formal letter to Deputy Prime Minister Bowornsak through Mr. Sompas Nilphan, an advisor to the Office of the Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister's Office. Their collective plea is centered around securing justice for Dr. Suphat, who previously served as the director of Sabayoi Hospital and was a candidate for Member of Parliament in Songkhla Constituency 2 for the People's Party.
The Rural Health Network leaders emphasized that Dr. Suphat's actions during the COVID-19 pandemic were driven by a commitment to human life, even amid constraints. They highlighted the crucial role rural doctors played during the crisis, providing essential knowledge and fostering understanding to mitigate public panic. The network believes that these actions warrant a new investigation by the Civil Service Commission and the Civil Service Ethics Committee, as Dr. Suphat has not yet had the opportunity to present verbal explanations to the disciplinary committee.
The network called for the Civil Service Commission to uphold integrity and restore public confidence in the civil service system by conducting transparent investigations. They stressed the importance of legal principles in decision-making and urged the Ministry of Public Health to resist political pressure, ensuring that the public does not lose faith in the organization's integrity and commitment to justice.