Protesters invade Thai Public Health Ministry to re-erect their anti-corruption banner

[webfact]

Protesters invade Public Health Ministry to re-erect their anti-corruption banner
Pongphon Sarnsamak
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- People's Democratic Reform Committee protesters yesterday invaded the Public Health Ministry - to find out why a banner calling for a corruption-free government was removed from the building.

PDRC leader Issara Somchai was among the group who demanded to see Kamol Bandaiphet, secretary of caretaker Public Health Minister Pradit Sinthawanarong, and deputy permanent secretary Dr Chanvit Tharathep, as they believed they had instructed police to remove the banner.

The banner was erected by the Medical Workers' Network, which is led by the ministry's permanent secretary Dr Narong Sahametapat.

Health officials and security guards allowed the protesters to enter the building, but would not allow them to access Kamol and Chanvit's offices.

Protesters shouted that they had been instructed by Issara to seek an explanation from the duo.

Some ministry staff joined in the protest and blew whistles.

Protesters got access to the roof, re-erected the banner, and after failing to locate Kamol and Chanvit, left the building.

Dr Irawat Areekich, a business owner, said he agreed with the Medical Workers' Network fight against government corruption but believed it was inappropriate to use government offices and hospitals to express a political stance.

"Every person has the right to express their political stance but it is not so good to use government buildings or hospitals to tell other people about their personal opinion, as there might be other people, including patients, who might not agree with them," he said. "If they want to express their political stance, they should set up the banners on their cars, homes or personal property."


-- The Nation 2014-03-01

[jonclark]

Since when was opposition to corruption a political stance? Is there a pro-corruption political party?

[moe666]

Since when was opposition to corruption a political stance? Is there a pro-corruption political party?

Yes there is, they call it a democracy but in fact it is a kleptacracy run by the PTP

[lostinsurin]

Brothers, let me open the first meeting of the PCPP. our goal is to be as corrupt as we can,

so lets exchange envelopes.

[rickirs]

PDRC actions goes beyond protests, blowing whistles, and hanging banners. It's all about its own power to go where and do what it wants under the banner of "anti-corruption." It's not really about government corruption but about its own self-designated authority even over government property, government employees, and the public in general. And of all the government ministries PDRC chooses to impose its will under the banner of "corruption," the Public Health Ministry is not only the most benign agency buts leadership is non-political by profession - the Hypocratic Oath. Dr Irawat Areekich was right about his criticism of the PDRC behavior and the PDRC owes the ministry an apology.

[mikeSilom]

PDRC actions goes beyond protests, blowing whistles, and hanging banners. It's all about its own power to go where and do what it wants under the banner of "anti-corruption." It's not really about government corruption but about its own self-designated authority even over government property, government employees, and the public in general. And of all the government ministries PDRC chooses to impose its will under the banner of "corruption," the Public Health Ministry is not only the most benign agency buts leadership is non-political by profession - the Hypocratic Oath. Dr Irawat Areekich was right about his criticism of the PDRC behavior and the PDRC owes the ministry an apology.

+1

[tx22cb]

PDRC actions goes beyond protests, blowing whistles, and hanging banners. It's all about its own power to go where and do what it wants under the banner of "anti-corruption." It's not really about government corruption but about its own self-designated authority even over government property, government employees, and the public in general. And of all the government ministries PDRC chooses to impose its will under the banner of "corruption," the Public Health Ministry is not only the most benign agency buts leadership is non-political by profession - the Hypocratic Oath. Dr Irawat Areekich was right about his criticism of the PDRC behavior and the PDRC owes the ministry an apology.

Hear Hear.

Those who disagree - we'll ask the PDRC to go round to your house and plaster banners over your windows.