Former public health minister Mongkol Na Songkhla died on Friday aged 79.
Mongkol: Respected
Dr Mongkol, who served as public health minister in the Surayud Chulanont government from Oct 9, 2006 to Feb 6, 2008 was being treated for cancer.
Before his death, Dr Mongkol announced on Facebook that he was diagnosed with stage-3 renal carcinoma and planned to obtain treatment.
According to people close to him, one of Dr Mongkol's last wishes was to donate his body to Siriraj Hospital's Faculty of Medicine, where he graduated, and have a simple funeral rite for those who wish to bid him farewell.
His funeral rite will be held at Wat Pariwat Ratchasongkhram in Bangkok's Rama III area for one night, although it remains unclear when the ceremony will be organised.
Those who wish to attend the funeral but are unable to do so can make merit by making donations to a hospital of their choice. Funeral guests were asked not to bring wreaths.
Born on Jan 16, 1941, Dr Mongkol graduated from Siriraj Hospital's Faculty of Medicine. He obtained a master's degree in public health and a doctorate in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Dr Mongkol joined the public sector as a doctor and held several key positions, including secretary-general of the Food and Drug Administration and director-general of the Medical Services Department before he retired in 2001 as the public health permanent secretary.
He received the Rural Doctors' award in 1976 in recognition of his work to improve medical services for people living in remote areas.
When serving as the public health minister in the Surayud administration, Dr Mongkol was known for his push for free universal healthcare services.