Bangkok-
Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister, who is also the Public Health Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, has been named the chair of the World Health Organization’s Regional Committee for South-East Asia according to a statement made by him this afternoon in a press conference.
Mr. Anutin told the Thai press today that fourteen member countries had nominated him to the one-year-term post partly because Thailand effectively controlled the Covid-19 coronavirus disease. It was not clear exactly when the nomination vote took place.
Mr. Anutin, who although popular with many Thai Nationals has a somewhat negative reputation with foreigners due to allegedly controversial comments made in the past, said the Committee would be having a first meeting on September 10.
This meeting would discuss Covid-19 developments in the region and share best practices. Anutin stated that a top goal was for member countries to resume travel at least between member nations by improving the Covid-19 situation in Southeast Asia.