CABINET RESHUFFLE
POST REPORTERS
Chaiya Sasomsab would like to return as health minister in the cabinet reshuffle.
Speaking during a farewell ceremony at the ministry, the former public health minister said it was possible that he could be reappointed to the job, as the Constitution Court did not ban him from politics.
"I can give you a hint that it will be the Interior, Justice or Commerce ministry. If I cannot get what I want, I'd rather return here," he said.
His deputy Wicharn Meenchainant is acting minister.
About 1,500 residents and health officials, mostly from Nakhon Pathom and Ratchaburi, where Mr Chaiya is based, turned up at the ministry to give him flowers and show their support.
Mr Chaiya, an MP from the People Power party (PPP), said he accepted the court ruling but still believed he did not do anything wrong.
"I had no intention to conceal my assets. I just didn't report it to the National Counter Corruption within the deadline," he said.
The Constitution Court ruled on July 9 that he had broken assets declaration rules, by failing to disclose his wife's shareholding in excess of 5% in a private company, Sab Hok Heng, within 30 days of his appointment.
The court said Mr Chaiya's status as a cabinet member ended when he failed to meet the asset declaration deadline.
Saree Ongsomwang, manager of the Foundation for Consumers, said she did not want Mr Chaiya back.
His policies had shown that he did not understand the public's needs regarding healthcare, she said.
"We can't work with him again. And I'm certain that more than 1,500 health officials do not want him to return."
Mr Chaiya opposed the policy on compulsory licensing to extend public access to medicines.
He also transferred senior health officials to inactive positions, leading to a campaign by health activists to gather 20,000 signatures to seek his ouster.
Rural Doctors' Society chairman Kriangsak Vacharanukulkiat said he would oppose Mr Chaiya returning to the Public Health Ministry, as his skills were better suited elsewhere.
PPP deputy leader Somchai Wongsawat said people should keep an open mind if close aides of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra won seats in the reshuffle.
Mr Somchai said prejudice should be put aside if the people given seats had proven ability and experience, and put the national interest first. The window of opportunity should not be shut for high-calibre people, he added.
Chart Thai party executive Warawut Silpa-archa said his party would not lose seats in the reshuffle, except for Deputy Transport Minister Anurak Jureemart, who was unlikely to survive.
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