Rajata Rajatanavin has decided to resign as rector of Mahidol University after both faculty and students protested against him simultaneously holding the post of public health minister.
Public Health Minister Rajata Rajatanavin pays respect to Buddha's image on his first day at the ministry. (Bangkok Post file photo)
Dr Rajata announced his decision on Wednesday at a meeting of faculty deans.
His move followed a resolution by the Mahidol University Council for him to decide by Oct 8 to take either the public health minister's job or remain university rector.
The council's resolution followed calls by several university figures including Sugree Charoensook, dean of Mahidol's College of Music, for Dr Rajata to be sacked after he accepted the post of public health minister without stepping down as rector.
Sugree Charoensook puts a metal box on his head as a symbolic protest against Dr Rajata.
Mr Sugree attended a meeting of university deans wearing a metal box on his head in a symbolic protest against Dr Rajata's acceptance of a second government job.
In an open letter addressed to the Mahidol community on Wednesday, Dr Rajata said the interim charter's Section 41 allowed civil servants to hold outside jobs while serving in political positions, as it is a transition period for the country.
He said he viewed the two positions as complementary, as the university produces personnel for the public-health sector. Therefore, he reasoned, his experience as rector would help him set strategy for development of public health while directing the educational institution to appropriately produce health personnel.
Dr Rajata said there were supporters and opponents of his views, but the issue had spread widely on social media. The issue, which he said should have been discussed internally by "scholars of the land", instead had tarnished the university's image.
He will discuss succession plans at a university council meeting on Oct 15.