Business tycoon and philanthropist Somsak Leeswadtrakul has been appointed as chairman of National Doping Control Centre Policy Board to ensure international standards in analysis for sports drugs and drug metabolites.
Prof Emeritus Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn, chairman of Mahidol University Council, appointed Dr Somsak as the chairman of the policy board which supervises the National Doping Control Centre's Analytical Sciences and National Doping Test Institute.
The centre is certified by the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) which has been informed of the new board. The centre is the only one of its kind in Southeast Asian region, one among six in Asia and one of the 29 centres globally.
Other members of the new board include Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, former tourism and sports minister, Prof Emeritus Udom Kachintorn, former deputy education minister, Assoc Prof Bavornrit Chuckpaiwong, and director general or representative of Budget Bureau.
Dr Somsak said his board will work to ensure that the anti-doping testing centre will maintain doping testing standards globally recognised.
"This marks a significant step towards enhancing the reputation of the country and establishing its credibility on the global stage. However, to reach that point, it is important for the government, especially Thailand's sports authorities, to provide mutual support."