Driver accused of obstructing ambulance, contributing to patient's death in Thailand

A lawyer from Plai Phraya Hospital filed a complaint with the police on Monday, accusing the driver of obstructing medical staff and insulting them while they were on duty, according to Bangkok Post.

The driver, whose identity has not been disclosed, worked as a pickup truck driver for Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF), Thailand's leading agricultural and food company. He was fired following the incident, which occurred on the night of Oct. 16.

The incident took place while medical staff were trying to transfer a critically ill 69-year-old man, Somkhuan Panich, suffering from a heart attack and respiratory failure, to Krabi Hospital in Muang District, Bangkok Post reported.

The driver's pickup truck was parked directly behind the ambulance, blocking its rear doors and preventing the medical team from loading the patient.

Somkhuan was later confirmed dead, but it remains unclear whether he passed away en route or upon arrival at the hospital.

According to Thaiger, the driver arrived at the hospital with his mother, who was reportedly experiencing dizziness and blurred vision. When the medical team was preparing to transfer Somkhuan, the driver parked his truck behind the ambulance, obstructing its path. A nurse approached the driver, requesting that he wait, explaining that they were focused on a critically ill patient in need of urgent transfer. However, the driver became angry and insisted the medical staff prioritize his mother.

Despite the efforts to save Somkhuan, the ambulance could not depart because of the blocked vehicle. The nurse approached the driver again, but he refused to move his truck. As Somkhuan's condition deteriorated, his daughter collapsed in distress and pleaded with the driver to move, but he still refused. Only when the daughter threatened to call the police did the driver finally agree to move his vehicle.

In a separate report from Khaosod, the driver's mother was treated in the emergency room, where her condition improved. Afterward, she was discharged with medication. The hospital also clarified that the driver had met with the charge nurse while his mother was being assessed, and although the nurse explained the urgent situation, the driver continued to complain about the delay in care for his mother.

After the incident, the driver publicly spoke out, claiming he was unaware of the critical nature of Somkhuan's condition, according to Thaiger.

He admitted to losing his temper because he believed his mother was being neglected and expressed regret for his actions. He stated that if he could turn back time, he would not have argued with the medical team. He mentioned his intention to offer financial compensation to Somkhuan’s family from part of his severance pay after being dismissed from his job.