Dr. Somrak, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, has not yet signed the dismissal order for Dr. Supat Hasuwannakit following the Health Ministry Civil Service Committee's resolution. He said he prefers to wait for the Civil Service Board's decision, which is considered superior, and acknowledged the need for caution because it is the 2026 election period.
5 Feb 2026 GMT+7 Dr. Somrak Junsaman, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, gave an interview regarding the progress of signing the order in accordance with the Health Ministry Civil Service Committee's resolution. This resolution approved the disciplinary committee's findings that Dr. Supat Hasuwannakit committed a serious disciplinary offense and recommended dismissal from government service in connection with the procurement of ATK test kits. He said the order has not yet been signed as the Ministry's Bureau of Discipline Standards and Integrity is still preparing the documents. He noted it is almost complete and proceeding as scheduled. He acknowledged that the timing of the election is relevant and must be handled carefully to avoid significant impact, but the issuance of the order must follow the Civil Service Committee's resolution.
When asked how long the process usually takes, Dr. Somrak said it depends on the documents. On average, it takes about two weeks, but this case likely involves many documents. He said progress is substantial. Reporters asked further, if it is necessary to wait for the Civil Service Board (the K.P. board). Dr. Somrak replied he would prefer to wait and has asked personnel to inquire whether the board will expedite their review and when it might be completed, but was told there is no set timeline. He also asked if there would be any acceleration; if so, they should inform him. The board responded that waiting is not required and the Ministry should proceed with its own process.
Regarding the question, if the Ministry does not wait and the Health Ministry Civil Service Committee issues its resolution before the Civil Service Board's decision, potentially conflicting with the board's decision, what would be the consequence? Dr. Somrak said, "We would just make adjustments. We have to follow the board's decision because it is considered superior and final." When asked if regulations specify a deadline for signing, Dr. Somrak said there is no set deadline. However, once signed, the order must be reported to the Civil Service Board within 15 days and the accused must also be informed.
Regarding the Songkhla Election Commission's request for information on this matter from the Ministry, Dr. Somrak said he knows that Dr. Sakda Alpachai, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, is currently responding. When asked if he is concerned that the process during politically tense times might be seen as politically motivated, Dr. Somrak said he does not know what else to do; not acting is not an option. He said they try to consider timing carefully to avoid creating additional problems since this concerns a disciplinary investigation that has already been completed. Their role is simply to approve the disciplinary committee's findings.
When asked if the signing is likely to occur after the 8 February 2026 election, if possible, the Permanent Secretary replied, "I prefer not to answer directly but I would say we are being cautious."