AI In-Brief

Thailand News in Brief

Thai PBS World

Thailand and the world, every day

AI can make mistakes. Please double-check.

Public health minister gives moral support to embattled Dr. Yong Poovorawan

13 Sept 05:29 Key points summarised by AI

Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul publicly backed Dr. Yong Poovorawan, head of Chulalongkorn University’s Centre of Excellence in Clinical Virology, amid an online campaign calling for his dismissal.
Dr. Yong faces pressure for allegedly supporting government vaccination policies, including the Sinovac vaccine and an extended AstraZeneca dose gap, without sufficient medical evidence.
Minister Anutin condemned the campaign as unfair, commending Dr. Yong's steadfastness and his dedication to providing medical information to foster public trust in vaccines.
The controversy has sparked both a Change.org petition for Dr. Yong's removal and a "Save Dr. Yong" counter-campaign on social media, reflecting divided public opinion.

Yesterday 17:04 Key points summarised by AI

Civic groups, including those representing labourers and older people, submitted a protest letter demanding the Bhumjaithai Party withdraw bills to shift funding for four organizations (Thai PBS, Older Persons Fund, Thai Health Promotion Foundation, Sports Authority of Thailand) from earmarked taxes to the central government budget.
Leaders argue these organizations were established for public interest, supporting public service media, elder care, public health, and sports development, and any amendments should consider all stakeholders' views.
Over 70% of parliamentary poll respondents opposed the proposed changes, prompting civic leaders to call on the ruling party to respect the people's will and withdraw the bills.
A network of slum dwellers also opposes the funding changes, threatening a rally if the government fails to address their demands.