Thailand's deputy public health minister resigned on Sunday after being implicated in a corruption scandal over a $2.57 billion healthcare scheme. Manit Nopamornbodee was the second minister to quit over the high-profile scandal, which has embarrassed an embattled coalition government as it prepares to face mass street protests and a no-confidence motion in parliament.
Public Health Minister Witthaya Kaewparadai, a member of the ruling Democrat Party, stepped down on December 29 but the refusal of his deputy to follow suit had highlighted tension within a six-party coalition fraught with bitter infighting.
With the backing of his Bhumjai Thai party, the second-biggest coalition partner, Manit had ignored calls by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to quit in what analysts said was a sign of growing disunity in the government.
"I insist that I have never involved in this so-called corruption case, however, I have to resign to show my responsibility and to reduce political pressure on my Bhumjai Thai party," Manit told reporters.
Four ministers have resigned, three over corruption scandals, since the government took office a year ago, citing graft-busting as one of its priorities. Abhisit said on his weekly television address on Sunday that he would finalise a list for a minor cabinet reshuffle later this week.
A fact-finding panel last month recommended Witthaya, Manit and nine other officials be disciplined for backing ministry plans to build facilities and buy medical equipment deemed unnecessary or grossly overpriced by local health officials.
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