Coalition Rebuts Spokesman Over Luxury Hotel Meeting
The Thai Smokefree Society coalition issued a statement on Oct 25, 2026, demanding an apology from Government Spokesman Dr. Ekapob over spending allegations.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- The coalition issued a statement rebutting Government Spokesman Dr. Ekapob's social media post.
- It clarified that the meeting in Surat Thani used no ThaiHealth funds and used private sector venues.
- The meeting focused on supporting the Ministry of Public Health's tobacco control strategy.
- The coalition demanded a thorough verification of facts, followed by post removal and an apology.
The National Coalition for a Smokefree Thai Society released an official statement to counter allegations made by Dr. Ekapob Pienphet, the Government Spokesman. The spokesman had shared the schedule for a joint meeting between the Ministry of Public Health and the coalition, set for October 26, 2026, in Surat Thani province, accusing them of using taxpayers' money for luxurious accommodations.
The social media post included hotel room rates priced at approximately 15,000 baht per night, which led the public to mistakenly believe that funds from the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) were being misused for personal comfort and high-end living.
Disputes over public spending and operational transparency often attract intense scrutiny from both political figures and the public. Prompt clarifications backed by verifiable facts are essential for maintaining the credibility of public health organizations and civil society networks.
The coalition emphasized that this gathering was specifically designed to support the Ministry of Public Health's tobacco control initiatives, aiming to establish provincial strategic plans and prevent new generations from taking up smoking through collaboration among professional networks, civil society, and government bodies.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Furthermore, the coalition firmly stated that the meeting did not utilize any budget from ThaiHealth. The venue utilized for the event was provided by a private sector partner who supports the coalition's ongoing operational activities.
"We reaffirm that the meeting did not use ThaiHealth budget. The meeting venue belongs to a private sector partner that supports the coalition's operations."
National Coalition for a Smokefree Thai Society
In addition, the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) confirmed that all financial disbursement regulations strictly adhere to the guidelines set by the Comptroller General's Department.
Due to the repercussions of the post, the coalition has urged Dr. Ekapob to verify the facts properly before making accusations. In the absence of solid evidence, they demand that the post be removed and a formal apology issued to clear up public misunderstandings.
Source: Khaosod Politics
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