Transferred officials 'not demoted'
Public Health Ministry permanent secretary Dr Prat Boonyawongwirot yesterday denied reports that the latest transfer orders had demoted three high-ranking public health officials.
"They are lucky. This is like winning the first prize in a lottery draw," Prat said, referring to the transfer orders imposed on Sawan Pracharak Hospital director Dr Sangchai Simakachorn, Health Department director-general Dr Bavorn Ngarmsiri-udom and Development of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine Department deputy director-general Dr Pennapa Sapcharoen. The three senior-ranking officials were transferred to serve as health specialists. On Thursday, Pennapa complained that her transfer was a form of demotion, which was hard to accept. She was planning to take leave after she completes her duty at the Royal Flora Ratcha-phruek 2006 in Chiang Mai. Prat, however, said Sangchai, Bavorn and Pennapa had not lost any benefits as a result of the transfers. "When they take up their new posts, they will focus on academic work. Upon its completion, they will automatically be promoted to C-10 officials," Prat said, adding that the three officials are currently C-9 officials. Prat denied that Pennapa was transferred because she had locked horns with the Development of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine Department's director-general, Dr Wichai Chokewiwat.
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