Dr Somchai Srisombandit, who now heads the Tak Bai Hospital in Narathiwat district, beat nine other candidates to win the honour from the Mahidol University’s Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital.

“He is fiercely committed to improving his hospital and the quality of life among locals,” the selection panel’s chair Dr Samut Chongvisal said on Wednesday. “He is a good example for new doctors.”

Under Somchai’s leadership, the Tak Bai Hospital is the only community hospital in the three southern border provinces that has retained a lot of its medical staff. At other hospitals in the violence-hit deep South, many medical workers have tried to seek transfers to safer areas.

“When you work with me, you will find your work meaningful. The work environment is good for your physical and emotional health. You can work independently. You will be well loved among locals,” Somchai said during an address to medical students.