A top public health official charged in connection with a hit-and-run case last week has been transferred to an inactive post to facilitate a fact-finding inquiry, a top public health official said yesterday.
Permanent secretary Jetsada Chokedamrongsuk said the transfer of Yorn Chiranakhon, an senior official from Health Centre Region 12 overseeing the South, to the Health Technical Office was done to allow for a smooth investigation.
Dr Jetsada said the probe into the crash will be conducted will be completed without delay.
Deputy national police chief Pol Gen Wirachai Songmetta said yesterday a witness who is the owner of a riverside restaurant had confirmed to police that Dr Yorn drank alcohol before the crash.
Based on the witness' statement, Dr Yorn arrived at the restaurant in the late afternoon of Nov 10 with a woman and left at about 6pm.
The pair allegedly brought their own bottle of alcohol with them and ordered food and several bottles of soda.
According to police, the restaurant owner claimed she recognised Dr Yorn who stopped by the restaurant once a week for a drink.
Pol Lt Col Panthamit Janprasert, deputy superintendent at Muang Nonthaburi police station, said police questioned more than 10 witnesses, one of whom insisted Dr Yorn was drinking at a restaurant before the crash.
The police officer said the accused denied he drank prior to the incident.
The fact-finding inquiry is being headed by public health inspector-general Natthawut Prasertsiripong, amid concerns that the investigation might be compromised because Dr Yorn and Dr Natthawat are both C-10 senior officials.
However, Dr Natthawat yesterday allayed such concerns, saying despite both men being at C-10 level, he holds an executive position and his post is considered more senior than Dr Yorn's.
He said the fact-finding investigation is expected to be wrapped up in a week. If there are grounds to the fact-finding probe, Dr Yorn will be subject to a disciplinary investigation.
According to the inspector-general, the probe will also look into the alleged drinking of alcohol by Dr Yorn.
He said while the panel will base its case on police evidence, Dr Yorn will have a chance to tell his side of the story.
Dr Yorn is accused of having been intoxicated during the Nov 10 incident, in which he allegedly rammed his car into Somchai Yamdee, a 22-year-old security guard who was closing the gate at the Public Health Ministry in Nonthaburi at about 8.10pm.
Following the crash, Mr Somchai was dragged under the vehicle for about 20 metres.
He was rushed to Pranangklao Hospital where he underwent brain surgery and was slowly recovering from the injuries.
Dr Yorn refused to undergo an alcohol test after the incident.
The doctor has denied all of the charges against him.
They include reckless driving causing grave danger and serious property damage to others, driving under the influence, defying orders by traffic police (when Dr Yorn refused to undergo a breathalyser test), attempted murder and failing to stop a vehicle to help an injured victim and notify police after the crash.
Meanwhile, Jampi Sriphothong, the wife of the injured security guard, said yesterday that Dr Yorn had visited her husband every day and that he had also promised to help the family.
Chainarong Nakthai, the victim's brother, said the family has not been intimidated by Dr Yorn, while noting that they had yet to discuss the matter of compensation and financial assistance with him.