Bangkok: The Prime Minister thanked the President and Medical Council for their outstanding achievements in many areas. He expressed pride in his role as Minister of Public Health, given the support he received from his network, despite the three-year COVID crisis. He emphasized the need to bring free dialysis back to the people.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul received a plaque of honor for the Medical Governance for Senior Executives (MGS) Diploma Program at the 2025 Medical Council and Mahidol Adulyadej Institute Academic Seminar. He also delivered a special lecture on “Medical Governance and the Sustainable Development of Thailand.”
The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to the Medical Council for inviting him to deliver the keynote address today. He stated that he is a fifth-year alumnus of the PHC and has benefited greatly from his time in this program. He noted the maturity and experience of his peers, whose accomplishments have significantly contributed to the nation. Anutin emphasized the importance of leveraging networks within the PHC program to resolve issues in public health, medicine, and government administration.
Mr. Anutin shared his sentiment of returning home after two years as Minister of Public Health, having participated in the event annually. He expressed honor upon receiving the commemorative plaque.
He attributed his tenure as Public Health Minister partly to the President’s degree program, highlighting the critical role of medical support during the COVID-19 crisis. Anutin recounted his efforts in rebuilding confidence in the Thai public health system amid the outbreak, emphasizing the importance of knowledge and experience in overcoming challenges.
Anutin discussed the budget utilization during the COVID-19 crisis, which focused on treating Thai citizens and domestic needs, such as purchasing vaccines. He noted the positive growth of public hospitals, which had previously experienced negative growth, underlining the opportunities that emerge from crises.
Looking forward, Anutin stressed the government’s responsibility to support an aging society and fulfill the promise of providing free dialysis. He addressed the hardships faced by Thais, particularly related to transportation and travel costs, and emphasized the importance of prioritizing public health over political gains. The government aims to support the private sector in establishing Thailand as a global health hub, enhancing medical tourism and infrastructure.
Anutin highlighted the potential for growth in the medical business, emphasizing that Thailand can add value without competing on price. He mentioned the increasing international interest in collaborating with Thailand’s public health system.