Chaiyaphum: Somsak Thepsuthin, Minister of Public Health, is set to discipline the hospital director involved in a drunk driving incident where he refused an alcohol test. The minister has emphasized the need for a thorough investigation and appropriate disciplinary action.

According to Thai News Agency, Somsak Thepsuthin acknowledged the incident involving the hospital director from Chaiyaphum who drove under the influence and collided with a news team from a well-known channel. The minister has ordered comprehensive care for the victims and ensured that officers were dispatched to support them. He stressed that both the ministry and law enforcement are actively addressing the case, ensuring no negligence in legal proceedings.

Regarding the disciplinary investigation of the hospital director, who refused the alcohol test, Somsak assured that disciplinary measures would be enforced. His primary concern remains the safety and well-being of the injured parties. The minister reiterated the necessity of punishment due to the director’s non-cooperation.

Somsak emphasized that, as a high-ranking hospital executive, the director’s actions of consuming alcohol using a Ministry of Public Health vehicle warrant a thorough review and appropriate punishment. Additionally, the incident where the news team was threatened to prevent the hospital staff from administering a breathalyzer test was deemed serious, necessitating strict action.

When questioned about the possibility of temporarily dismissing the director from government service, Somsak remarked that a comprehensive investigation would precede any decision, before concluding the interview to await the Prime Minister.