Bangkok, Thailand – June 18, 2025
A 60-year-old man’s death outside a private clinic in the Pracha Uthit area of Bangkok has triggered public outrage and prompted a formal investigation by Thailand’s health authorities, following allegations that he was denied emergency care.
According to the victim’s son, the pair had visited the clinic seeking treatment for the father’s severe chest pain. The son claims that after a brief consultation, a staff member administered an anti-nausea injection and directed them to seek treatment at a hospital instead. The staff allegedly remarked, “Don’t die in the clinic,” before the man collapsed just outside the facility. The son was forced to call for emergency help on his own.
Grieving and frustrated, the son later filed a formal complaint with the Medical Council of Thailand, accusing the clinic of prioritising legal liability over urgent medical assistance. He argued that even a failed attempt to treat his father would have offered some measure of comfort in the face of tragedy.
In response to the complaint, the Department of Health Service Support (DHSS), operating under the Ministry of Public Health, has launched an investigation into the clinic’s handling of the case. Inspectors arriving at the clinic found it closed and have since announced plans to summon staff for questioning. Authorities will assess whether the clinic adhered to professional standards regarding emergency medical care and referral procedures.
Under the Medical Facility Act, clinics that are found to have violated ethical or legal obligations could face financial penalties or criminal charges.
Health officials have reiterated that private clinics are legally required to prioritize patients’ well-being and must not refuse emergency care. The public is urged to report similar cases of negligence to the DHSS for immediate action.
