After a series of twists and turns the government said yesterday it will meet nurses' demands by granting 11,000 who are now working under temporary contracts permanent civil servant status within three years, entitling them to more welfare and benefits. These figures include all the vacancies that will arise when nurses who already enjoy status as permanent civil servants retire, government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said. The recruitment scheme was proposed by Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam and MOPH Minister Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn during the meeting. The premier's decision comes after more than 10,000 nurses working for public hospitals and state health units nationwide threatened to leave their posts if they are not granted permanent civil servant status. Ministries must also find a way to hire new civil servants or employees at a reasonable cost, Gen Prayut said.

Source: Bangkok Post May 16, 2017 23:48 UTC