An emergency operation was launched on 1 May 2026 to transport a seriously ill patient weighing nearly 300 kilograms from the Udomsuk area in Bangkok to hospital. The patient was suffering severe breathing difficulties, requiring urgent transfer for treatment. Standard ambulances could not accommodate the patient, forcing authorities to rapidly adjust their approach.
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At around 09:00, officials determined that conventional medical transport was unsuitable due to the patient’s size. A decision was made to use a slide-bed truck instead, typically deployed for vehicle recovery, to move the patient. Authorities coordinated with Royal Initiative traffic police and the Expressway Authority of Thailand to facilitate the transfer.
Traffic police cleared the route along the journey, ensuring the vehicle could move as quickly as possible through congested city roads. The Expressway Authority supported the operation by allowing the truck to access expressway routes, significantly reducing travel time. The unusual sight of a truck carrying a patient, rather than cargo, underscored the urgency of the situation.
The coordinated effort involved multiple agencies working towards the shared goal of delivering the patient safely and swiftly to medical care. Officials prioritised speed and safety, maintaining a clear route throughout the journey to avoid delays. The patient was successfully transported to Chulalongkorn Hospital, where medical teams were ready to receive them.
Pictures courtesy of Ejan
Authorities confirmed the transfer was completed without incident and the patient is now under close medical observation. The operation highlights the challenges posed by extreme medical emergencies and the need for flexibility in response planning.
Ejan reported that officials are continuing to monitor the patient’s condition closely. The case also underscores the importance of inter-agency cooperation in handling complex emergency situations, particularly in densely populated urban areas such as Bangkok.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Ejan 2 May 2026
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