Group urges ministry to rethink Samarn’s transfer

A youth health promotion network yesterday called on the Public Health Ministry to review its order to transfer a doctor who played a key role in pushing for strict enforcement of the alcohol control law.

The group leader, Metchanon Prachuaplap, who leads the network, said it believes certain influential alcoholic beverage businesses were behind the transfer of Dr Samarn Futrakul, the former director of the Alcohol Control Committee Office (Acco).

The youth group submitted a written request to the ministry through Yongyot Thammavudhi, an adviser at the ministry, requesting a review of Dr Samarn’s transfer order.

Dr Samarn is knowledgeable and has worked hard to ensure enforcement of the law on alcohol control, said Mr Metchanon, crediting the former director with helping to reduce the number of bars and shops selling alcohol in prohibited areas around educational institutions.

The network said if Dr Samarn had done anything to warrant the transfer, he must have been investigated. The group wants to know what the investigation was, according to Mr Metchanon.

Dr Yongyot, meanwhile, said he agreed that Dr Samarn plays a crucial role in the success of alcohol control and is recognised for his expertise by the ministry’s executives.

However, he said Niphon Chinanonwech, who is to replace him as director of the Acco, is also knowledgeable and experienced.

Dr Yongyot added that both the public health permanent secretary and the director-general of the Disease Control Department are serious about the alcohol control work. Dr Niphon would have to face the music if he failed to meet the goals expected of him, he said.

The youth group later visited Dr Samarn who told them he had to obey the transfer order.

The new job he has been given deals with the prevention of HIV/Aids, tuberculosis and other sexually transmitted diseases associated with alcohol consumption by youths.

A source at the ministry said the transfer of Dr Samarn took effect on Feb 16 and the ministry’s executives have dismissed speculation that some alcohol businesses were behind his transfer.

Dr Niphon, meanwhile, said although he is not an expert in legal affairs, which is necessary in his line of work, he is willing to learn the ropes.