
Wichai said he was disappointed that he had to resign, but he was concerned about his wellbeing.
He was reportedly crying and asked the journalists for privacy so that he could say goodbye to his colleagues.
“The chance is so small,” he said, referring to solving the Covid-19 crisis. “But I am proud of what I have done.”
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha had previously ordered Wichai's transfer to the Office of Prime Minister after rumours of hoarding face masks.