Dr. Ek Accuses Thai Foundation for Smoking-Free Society of Hosting Lavish Meeting on Koh Samui

Key summary

On October 24, 2026, Dr. Ekophat Peenphesuan, spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, criticized the Thailand Endowment Foundation (Sass) for allegedly organizing a smoking-free society meeting at a luxury hotel in Koh Samui. The event was scheduled for October 26, 2026, between the Ministry of Public Health and the National Network Alliance for a Tobacco-Free Thai Society. Dr. Ek highlighted that the accommodation rate was at least 15,000 baht per night, excluding meeting room fees, food, and travel costs. He noted that the event claimed the presence of the Minister of Public Health, who could not attend due to a scheduled parliamentary session on a vote of no confidence. Dr. Ek questioned whether such spending aligns with public funds and tax money.