The NHSO selection committee earlier chose two candidates – Prateep, who serves as NHSO deputy secretary-general, and Dr Wanchai Sattayawuthipong, Health Ministry inspector – from eight contenders for the job after Dr Winai Sawatdiworn’s term ended on May 1.

The panel then sought a ruling from the Council of State in relation to the qualifications of three candidates, including Wanchai, after some committee members pointed out that he was not qualified because he holds an executive post at an agency that is the NHSO’s contract partner.

The other two candidates are Health Ministry inspector Prapassorn Jiambunsri and Ratchaburi hospital director Dr Songpol Chawaltanpipat.

Health Minister Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn said the council only found Songpol qualified for the job, but he cannot be named the new secretary-general because it would require an amendment of the NHSO Act’s Article 32, so more diverse candidates could be selected.

The NHSO board has no choice but to appoint Prateep, a source said, because the only other candidate has been judged disqualified.