The top position was left vacant in June 2015 following the removal of then secretary-general Winai Sawasdivorn from the post after the all-powerful Article 44 of the interim charter was invoked.

The board members’ secret vote was held after Sakchai and two other candidates – Ratchaburi Hospital director Dr Songpol Chawaltanpipat and NHSO deputy secretary-general Wittaya Tansuwannont – outlined their visions to the 29 attending board members.

Sakchai garnered 16 votes, edging out Songpol with 13, while Wittaya received zero votes, a source at the board meeting said.