ThaiHealth chief resigns over spending scandal

Krissada Ruangarreerat has resigned as manager of the Thai Health Promotion Foundation to allow an inquiry in the foundation's spending. (Post Today photo)

The manager of the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, Krissada Ruangarreerat, has submitted his resignation to make way for an investigation into the transparency of the foundation’s spending.

The investigation into ThaiHealth was launched by the Justice Ministry after Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha received a report alleging that the foundation's budget this year was misused.

Mr Krissada earlier insisted that the foundation’s budget was spent transparently to benefit the public. The state auditor found that 40% of its funds were diverted to political activities instead of promoting public health.

Speaking on Thursday morning, Mr Krissada, 50, said he was confident of fair treatment since Justice Minister Paiboon Koomchaya had indicated that various agencies would be invited to give information.

He also had confidence in Public Health Minister Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn, who was a doctor.

Mr Krissada said he made the decision to resign himself, without pressure from anyone, because the foundation was a model of transparency.

“If there are questions in society, then for peace of mind and to set a standard I should resign. This is not about the foundation being investigated as there is no corruption issue in the report,” he said.

Gen Chatudom Tittasiri, chairman of the investigating committee, said earlier that the Public Health Ministry is drafting guidelines for ThaiHealth to follow. His committee will oversee their enforcement.

He said it is important to put spending guidelines in place to ensure ThaiHealth, which is funded by earmarked taxes not normal budget allocations, is accountable and transparent.

Mr Krissada has been at the helm of the foundation since 2009 and was in his second term, which was due to end in 2017.