Elderly Patient Strikes Hospital Staff During Assistance Attempt

A video showing an elderly male patient striking a hospital staff member has sparked widespread online criticism in Thailand. The incident occurred when staff attempted to assist the patient, fearing he might fall while getting out of bed. The clip, shared on Friday, 1 May 2026, has drawn strong reactions and calls for better protection of healthcare workers.

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According to reports, the patient tried to get up from his bed to go to the bathroom. A nurse assistant approached him calmly to provide support and prevent a possible fall or accident. Despite the careful approach, the patient suddenly became agitated and struck the staff member in the face with force.

Picture courtesy of Naewna

The footage also shows another nurse quickly stepping in to assist and protect her colleague. The incident reportedly took place in a hospital, though the exact location has not been confirmed. The video was shared by the Facebook page Dr. Dark and quickly gained traction online.

Within a short time, the clip was shared more than 2,500 times, with many social media users expressing sympathy for the staff involved. Comments highlighted the difficulty faced by healthcare workers, noting that they could be blamed whether they intervene or not. Some questioned the patient’s behaviour, while others emphasised the need for stronger safeguards.

The incident has prompted calls directed at the Nursing Council and senior hospital administrators to take action. Many are urging authorities to implement measures to protect medical staff from violence and ensure accountability in such cases. The event has also reignited discussion about workplace safety in healthcare settings.

Naewna reported that at present, there is no confirmed information on whether legal action has been taken against the patient. Authorities have not disclosed the name of the hospital or provided further details about the individuals involved. Updates are expected as more information becomes available.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Naewna 2 May 2026