ThaiHealth invited to explain its spending to graft body
The Centre for National Anti-Corruption (CNAC) has summoned representatives of the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) to testify on Monday over the latter's alleged misuse of funding.
Justice Minister General Paiboon Koomchaya, who chairs the CNAC, said yesterday that ThaiHealth would be asked to provide an explanation first.
“We may then ask for an explanation from the recipients of ThaiHealth funding too,” he said.
He spoke after the Monitoring and Auditing Committee on Fiscal Expenditures and the Office of Attorney General found that many of ThaiHealth projects went against its objectives.
With access to huge resources, ThaiHealth has been sponsoring many projects across the country. This year, ThaiHealth’s budget stands at Bt4 billion, earned from “sin taxes”.
Paiboon said he had no intention to abolish ThaiHealth, but wanted some improvements where necessary.
The committee’s chairman Lt-General Chart-udom Titthasiri yesterday refused to comment on specific ThaiHealth projects.
He was also evasive when asked if ThaiHealth’s funding of prayers during the New Year countdown and the appointment of many specialists were the reasons why it is in trouble now.
Public Health Minister Dr Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn, meanwhile, said yesterday that all questionable projects would be suspended.
