Public Health Ministry to look into kickback allegations in hospitals

13 Sept 10:59 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's Public Health Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, has promised a formal investigation into allegations that many of the Ministry's 186 hospitals received kickbacks from pharmaceutical companies.
The controversy involves the transfer of Khon Kaen provincial hospital director, Dr. Charnchai Chanworachaikul, following an anonymous accusation of receiving 5% kickbacks from drug suppliers.
An independent academic claims all Ministry hospitals received kickbacks, primarily from drug trading companies, a practice that reportedly shifted to 'donations' after a 2017 Cabinet ban, often attributed to hospitals' budgetary constraints.

Six injured after car smashes into On Nut shopping mall

Today 22:44 Key points summarised by AI

A 67-year-old woman drove her car through the glass frontage of a Bangkok shopping mall, injuring six people, including a six-year-old girl.
The driver claimed she accidentally pressed the accelerator instead of the brake after being startled, causing the vehicle to surge forward.
She apologized to the victims, promising insurance coverage and additional financial aid, while police continue to gather statements before filing charges.