A SPOKESPERSON for Prime Minister/Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul today (Oct. 25) told the World Health Organization (WHO) to not interfere in the country’s internal affairs after the global health agency’s Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus issued an open letter to the Thai leader calling for upholding fiscal stability of the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) and maintaining the overall tax burden on tobacco products and alcoholic beverages to support long-term disease prevention and public health, Naewna newspaper said.
Dr. Ekkapop Pianpiset, a spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, posted a message on Facebook entitled “Thank You to the WHO for Taking an Interest in Thailand’s Internal Affairs” which stated:
“As a member of the World Health Organization, Thailand is a sovereign nation. The drafting or amendment of laws follows established legislative processes; the executive branch operates under policies pledged to both Parliament and the public; and the country possesses a judicial system that upholds justice within society.
“Thailand acknowledges the WHO’s role as a global public health organization capable of offering opinions or recommendations on health-related activities for its member states. However, such input must not infringe upon a member state’s internal affairs, and the WHO must respect the sovereignty of its member nations.”
In expressing concern over the direction of Thailand’s health policies, Tedros urged Anutin to ensure sustainable long-term funding for ThaiHealth and maintain existing tax burden on tobacco and alcohol.
WHO stressed that maintaining high excise taxes on tobacco and alcohol is essential for discouraging public consumption, cutting chronic health risks, and preserving steady revenue for health initiatives.
CAPTIONS:
Top and Front Page: WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Photo – World Heart Federation
Insert: Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson Dr. Ekkapop Pianpiset. Photo – Naewna
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