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 The report referred to the recent statement by Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsap who said that from now on the ministry would no longer suspend the patent on pharmaceutical products,the so-called compulsory licensing.

Khao Sod said the minister reasoned that the ministry would not invoke compulsory licensing because of the sufficient availability of essential drugs. Also, he noted that compulsory licensing would be deemed as an inappropriate action towards the international community, especially pharmaceutical companies, which have spent several billions of baht in research and development.

The second point drew strong criticism, which questioned if it was appropriate for the Public Health Minister to express such an attitude.

The view also drew strong criticism from consumer groups and pharmaceutical researchers, who questioned whose interest Chaiya wanted to protect, international pharmaceutical companies, or people suffering from critical diseases in Thailand who don't have sufficient money to pay for medication.

Khao Sod said, in fact Chaiya's view was not surprising. His stance was clear from day one in office. Thus, now the social question goes straight to the government and the People Power Party to decide whether they share Chaiya's stance on public health issues.

If they disagree with Chaiya, the government and the PPP should make their position clear. Otherwise, society will think that the government and PPP share the same views as Chaiya.

The government's plan to introduce coupons for the poor received a positive reaction from Daily News newspaper yesterday. It said in its editorial piece titled: "Coupons for the poor to fight the economic crisis."

Daily News said that Deputy Prime Minister Surapong Suebwonglee's idea was welcome. It would help assist groups such as low-income earners without pushing inflation higher.

Nonetheless, the paper said the government would have to set out a clear definition of eligible groups of recipients - such as the maximum level of income and other requirements. The government and the private sector are set to conclude the details by July. The coupon cannot be transferred into cash.

The main task ahead is to ensure that the coupons go to people in need. And whether the country's economic situation was at such a critical point that coupons were needed.

Opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva also noted that it was time for the government to provide an assistance package to the public.

In its summing up, Daily News said that the paper just hoped that the coupon project would actually materialise and not turn out be another "castle in the air" project.

Once in place, it is expected that many people claiming to be poor would apply for the coupons. Therefore, the success of the programme will depend on transparency and clarity in its implementation to ensure everyone is treated equally.