In a distressing turn of events, a private hospital in the Pattanakarn area is under investigation following allegations that it denied treatment to a badly injured Taiwanese tourist. The incident resulted in rescuers having to transport the unconscious victim to a state hospital 10 kilometers away, where he tragically succumbed to his injuries en route.
The unidentified Taiwanese tourist, identified only as Chen, had met with a severe accident after being struck by a car. Despite the rescue team’s immediate response, including administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), the private hospital, a mere 500 meters from the accident site, purportedly refused admission.
The case came to light through the Facebook page “Yak Dang Diew Jad Hai (Limelight Generator) Return Part 6” on December 8. According to the Taiwan Tourism Bureau, Chen had been part of a group of 19 people touring Bangkok. Departing from the group on December 7, he later met with the unfortunate accident.
Public Health Minister Chonlanan Srikaew swiftly ordered an investigation upon receiving the report, directing officials from the Department of Health Service Support and the National Institute for Emergency Medicine to ascertain the facts. The minister emphasized that if the private hospital is found to have refused admission, it would be a violation of humanitarian and legal principles, warranting the most severe legal actions.
The investigation will focus on two critical points. Firstly, whether the private hospital assessed the patient appropriately upon arrival and provided necessary medical assistance according to professional standards. Secondly, whether the hospital evaluated the patient’s critical condition and the need for emergency healthcare under the Universal Coverage for Emergency Patients (UCEP) program.
Dr. Sura Wisetsak, Chief of the Department of Health Service Support, revealed that the Legal Division is actively probing the incident. Reports indicate that the private hospital’s emergency medical staff allegedly refused treatment, citing concerns about uncovered medical expenses due to the absence of accompanying relatives. The victim was subsequently transferred to a state hospital but tragically passed away during transit.
Both the Legal Division and the National Institute for Emergency Medicine are set to visit the private hospital on December 13, gathering evidence and interviewing emergency medical staff involved. Any substantiated wrongdoing may lead to a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment and/or a fine of up to 40,000 baht.
Minister of Tourism and Sports Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol has been briefed on the incident, expressing her concerns. She has called upon related agencies to implement enhanced protective measures to prevent the recurrence of such tragic incidents, reaffirming the Thai government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all foreign tourists visiting the country.
