Smoke-Free Network Denies Luxury Meeting Claims, Demands Apology

On October 26, 2026, the Thailand Smoke-Free Society Network released a statement clarifying the facts after Dr. Ekaphap Piraphiset, a spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, shared the agenda of a joint meeting between the Ministry of Public Health and the network held in Surat Thani. He alleged that taxpayer money was used for a lavish meeting, attaching screenshots of hotel room rates of approximately 15,000 baht per night, implying that ThaiHealth Promotion Foundation funds were misused for personal comfort.

"This meeting aimed to support the Ministry of Public Health's tobacco control efforts by drafting provincial strategies, bringing together professional networks, civil society, and the ministry to prevent new smokers," the statement reads. "We confirm the meeting did not use ThaiHealth funds. The venue was provided by private-sector partners who have continuously supported the network's public-interest work, not chosen for luxury or personal convenience. Accusations of improper spending must be based on factual documents such as actual funding sources, approval or procurement records, venue selection criteria, and payment evidence — website room rates are not proof of fund disbursement."

The statement notes that even though this meeting did not use ThaiHealth funds, projects that do receive ThaiHealth funding operate under strict oversight according to project objectives, regulations, and conditions, with full accounting records subject to audit by auditors and the State Audit Office.

The network urges Dr. Ekaphap to recognize his responsibility in public communication. While he may question, criticize, and demand scrutiny of public funds, he should verify facts and evidence before publishing statements that may mislead the public and damage the reputation and morale of the professional and civil society networks that have long worked for public health.

"We ask the government spokesperson to cease disseminating unproven allegations and to disclose supporting evidence. If he cannot prove the claims, we request he correct or retract the misleading statements and take responsibility by issuing a public apology to the affected individuals and organizations," the statement concludes.

Dr. Phairoj Saen-Nu, Deputy Manager of the ThaiHealth Promotion Foundation, confirmed that ThaiHealth sets fund regulations under the 2019 Criteria and Expense Rates for Project Implementation and the Health Promotion Project Management Manual, which govern expense conditions and rates for grantees, including accommodation costs for official travel outside the office.