However, perhaps the clearest evidence of the prominent role of this network of doctors
in the reshaping the political order is found in the recent process of national reconciliation.
Two of the three parastatal organisations playing leading roles in the national reform and
reconciliation process are the Thai Health Promotion Foundation and the NHSO, two
organisations founded and led by Sampran members whose missions would otherwise
appear to have nothing to do with the task they were asked to address (see Bangkok Post,
June 17, 2010; Faleomavaega 2010). In addition, Prawase Wasi was himself named by
Democrat Party leader and then Prime Minister Abhisit as Chairman of the Assembly for
National Reform. Interestingly, Prawase’s colleague in the Social Venture Network,
former Prime Minister Anand Panyacharun, and another “royal liberal,” was appointed
head of the parallel National Reform Committee. Sampran member Wichai was one of
only two people to hold membership on both National Reform committees, with Thaksin
critic Chulalongkorn University economics lecturer Narong Phetprasert. An important part
of the rationale for selection of these particular medical organisations (and doctors more
generally) in important political processes may in part have to do with the reputation that
the broader medical profession enjoys, commanding respect from the people and being
seen as embodying qualities of neutrality and objectivity. Yet, beyond these general
characteristics of the medical profession, the profile of the network’s members has been
elevated above others through their association with medical organisations that serve the
public good, which members of the network have themselves played a significant role in
helping to create and lead.