POLITICS
Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej yesterday asked the Medical Council of Thailand if it is proper for doctors-turned-politicians to diagnose House members during House sessions. He made the call after Malinee Sukvejworakij, a Democrat MP who is a doctor of medicine, told the House during the recent censure debate that Mr Samak showed symptoms of a mental deficiency and behaviour disorder.
The Democrats attacked Mr Samak for his ''aggressive behaviour and bad temper''.
Dr Malinee said there was medical evidence to confirm that his glaring at reporters and ordering cake and red cordial drinks like a child reflected a low IQ and low emotional quotient.
Mr Samak retorted by saying her medical licence should be reviewed.
The prime minister touched on the issue again during his televised talk show yesterday. He said the refreshments in question were served to anyone attending the House session.
He said he could not reject them, even if he did not want them.
''What should I do? I cannot say I don't want it. This will hurt the feelings of those who served them to me,'' Mr Samak said.
He said he was surprised that he was the target of criticism for such trivial things.
He urged the Medical Council to see if it is appropriate for doctor-turned-politicians to diagnose people in the middle of parliament.
Dr Malinee responded yesterday that Mr Samak lacked understanding about her role as both a medical doctor and an MP.
She said she had exercised her right according to the constitution to caution and criticise the prime minister.
''I did not diagnose the prime minister, I, as a doctor, just analysed him so that he can take care of himself. If a country's leader does not have perfect health, how can he manage the country?'' she said.
Dr Amnart Kussalanant, secretary-general of the Medical Council, said the group's administration panel will meet next week to determine if Dr Malinee's comments had broken medical ethic codes.
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