Senior doctors urge PM to 'take a break'

Senior doctors urge PM to 'take a break'

The Network of Senior Doctors joined the growing chorus of government critics for the first time yesterday, demanding caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra not only resign but also take a ''pause'' from politics to ease social tension.

The group is led by senior ex-officials including former deputy permanent secretary for public health Banlu Siripanich, former public health minister Pairoj Ningsanont, former dean of Ramathibodi Hospital's medical school Aree Wallayasevi, Rural Doctors' Foundation head Morakot Kornkasem and former permanent secretary for public health Mongkol na Songkhla.

They issued a statement calling on the prime minister to resign and enter a period of political hibernation.

The statement said the country has slipped into crisis since Mr Thaksin dissolved the House of Representatives to clear the way for a new general election set for April 2. The pressure has risen considerably after the People's Alliance for Democracy rallied for the prime minister's ouster and the opposition Democrat, Chart Thai and Mahachon parties decided to boycott the election.

The stand-off between Mr Thaksin's supporters and opponents has been heating up and could turn critical. The only way to end the impasse would be for Mr Thaksin to stand down and take a break from politics to allow democracy in Thailand to move forward, the statement said.
If Mr Thaksin resigned, he would not be seen as losing the fight but praised and remembered by the next generation.

Group leader Dr Banlu revealed that members, including social thinker Prawase Wasi, are concerned about the political turmoil. They want Mr Thaksin to leave office before Sunday, when another mass rally against him will take place, and before the situation gets out of hand.
''After Mr Thaksin's resignation, all groups including the opposition parties should stop making any moves. All should have spirit so our country will be at peace,'' said Dr Banlu. The prime minister should resign not because of his wrongdoing but for the country's sake, he said.

The group was also opposed to the prime minister's public address set for today at Sanam Luang to launch his election campaign and unveil his political platform.

Dr Pairoj said a fine leader would step down and keep clear of politics to make up for the trouble he caused the country.

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