Ex-NRC member suspects cigarette and liquor business behind move against ThaiHealth



BANGKOK: -- A former member of the National Reform Council Dr Poldet Pinpratheep said Thursday that he suspected Liquor and cigarette corporations were behind the ongoing government’s drive against Thai Health Promotion Foundation and other non-governmental and independent organizations.

He pointed out that the business of cigarette multi-corporations in Thailand had been hard hit by endless campaigns launched by these organizations, including ThaiHealth, to discourage smoking among Thais.

These organizations were also instrumental in pushing for legislation to curb cigarette smoking and cigarette advertisements.

Regarding ThaiHealth which is now under investigation by several governmental agencies, Poldet said ThaiHealth depends on funding from “sin” taxes to support its operations but, in the mean time, has been in the forefront to discourage smoking and, hence, it has several enemies.

To carry on with its operations, he said that ThaiHealth and its likes must practice transparency and to do its job in accordance with its set objectives.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/ex-nrc-member-suspects-cigarette-and-liquor-business-behind-move-against-thaihealth

-- Thai PBS 2015-10-16

"A former member of the National Reform Council Dr Poldet Pinpratheep said Thursday that he suspected Liquor and cigarette corporations were behind the ongoing government’s drive against Thai Health Promotion Foundation and other non-governmental and independent organizations."

Good to see the veil being lifted ever so slightly once in a while so one can glimpse the powers that are behind the junta. You know, the junta that is selflessly working for the benefit of all Thais!

"Liquor and cigarette corporations were behind the ongoing government’s drive against Thai Health Promotion Foundation"

If true the current govenment is beginning to behave like an elected government!