The Anti-Corruption Organization has found irregularities in the procurement of nerve stimulation devices worth 603 million baht, possibly priced over half above the market rate, raising concerns of a kickback difference exceeding 341 million baht.
On 22 Dec 2025 GMT+7, Mr. Mana Nimitmongkol, chairman of the Anti-Corruption Organization (ACT), revealed that the Ministry of Public Health purchased 134 dual-coil Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) devices totaling over 603 million baht. The median price was set at 4.5 million baht per device, possibly more than half above market value, suggesting a potential kickback difference exceeding 341 million baht.
The ACT chairman added that their investigation found most hospitals won bids at prices only slightly below the median by tens of thousands of baht, except for Phra Pokklao Hospital, which purchased devices at just 1.95 million baht each—2.55 million baht below the median. Meanwhile, Khon Kaen Hospital previously canceled its purchase due to discrepancies in equipment specifications that could impact public interest.
Mr. Mana stated that this case raises concerns that directors of hundreds of hospitals nationwide might face investigations or criminal charges similar to the past 'futsal case,' due to significant discrepancies in purchase prices compared to non-public agencies. Given rapid advancements in medical technology, leasing might be more cost-effective and transparent than rushed purchases ahead of elections.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a medical technology using electromagnetic waves to stimulate brain nerve cells without surgery. It is primarily used to treat depression in patients unresponsive to medication, stroke to aid recovery from paralysis, neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s, migraines, and chronic pain conditions.