A 60-year-old man died outside a Bangkok clinic on 18 Jun after staff reportedly refused to continue treating him for chest pain.
The incident has sparked public outrage and prompted government investigations.
Mr Somchai, who suffered from chronic illnesses, developed sudden chest pain and was taken by his 24-year-old son to a clinic in Soi Pracha Uthit 33, Thung Khru District. They arrived at approximately 1:30pm local time.
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Bangkok Clinic Nurse Tells Family “Don’t Die in the Clinic”
The clinic’s doctor administered an anti-nausea injection, but Mr Somchai’s condition continued to deteriorate.
Clinic staff told the son to take his father to a hospital instead of continuing treatment. According to reports from Thai news outlets Amarin TV and Channel 7, staff feared the patient would die at their facility.
A nurse allegedly told the son: “Take your father to a hospital. Don’t let him die at the clinic.”
Mr Somchai collapsed and died at the clinic’s doorstep. No medical personnel from the clinic came to assist.
The son expressed frustration at being left alone to seek emergency help. He claimed clinic staff refused to help or check on his father. The son had to demand that the clinic call emergency services as he did not have a phone with him.
A nurse who was living nearby attempted to administer CPR but could not revive Mr Somchai. A food vendor at the scene ultimately helped to contact a hospital.
Police were alerted that a man had been found dead outside the clinic. Officers, forensic doctors from Siriraj Hospital and rescue personnel arrived at the scene.
Mr Somchai was transported to Siriraj Hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival.
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Thai Health Ministry Launches Investigation
The Ministry of Public Health has launched an investigation into the incident. Officials are examining the clinic’s operating licence and the attending doctor’s medical credentials.
When reporters visited the clinic later that day, it was found closed. Local residents said the facility had been operating for only seven days.
The family has filed a complaint about the clinic with the Medical Council of Thailand. The case may be referred to the Medical Council for a review of the doctor’s professional ethics.
Deputy Director of the Department of Health Service Support, Arkom Praditsuwan, confirmed an investigation would be conducted.
He explained that the National Institute for Emergency Medicine defines critical emergency cases as involving unconsciousness, absence of breathing, rapid or laboured breathing, signs of shock, sudden intense chest pain, or sudden paralysis.
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The clinic’s alleged refusal to treat a patient with such symptoms could constitute a breach of the Hospital Act. Violations carry penalties of up to two years imprisonment, a fine of up to 40,000 baht (~SGD1,470), or both.
The clinic has not issued an apology to Mr Somchai’s son or family. Legal action will be taken if the facility is found in violation of the Medical Facility Act.
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