Sadao Hospital questioned after crash victim dies

Relatives of a 22-year-old woman who died after a motorcycle collision in Songkhla have questioned her treatment at Sadao Hospital, saying she was sent home twice despite reporting severe pain and asking to be admitted.

Wirawan Sithong died after being taken to the hospital three times over two days following the crash in Prik subdistrict, Sadao district, on 4 August 2569 at about 7pm. Her sisters, Panida and Sirora, have called for an explanation from the hospital.

The case drew widespread online attention after a relative posted that the injured woman had said she was in pain and asked to stay in hospital, but was refused admission.

Three hospital visits in two days

According to her family, Wirawan was riding a motorcycle when it struck the rear of a car. Emergency responders gave initial first aid and took her to Sadao Hospital.

Sirorat said her sister had a chin wound, abrasions to an arm and knees, and abdominal pain. The hospital carried out an X-ray and told relatives there was no bruising and no broken ribs, she said.

She was discharged with paracetamol and antibiotics, plus an observation sheet advising that she should return to hospital if she developed stiffness, vomiting, drowsiness or seizures.

After returning home, Wirawan complained that her hands were very numb and that her stomach hurt badly, Sirorat said. The family used a hot compress but, when she later reported severe arm pain and difficulty breathing, they called an ambulance.

At about midnight, Sirorat said, Wirawan told her that she could no longer bear the pain and asked for an injection. She was taken back to hospital, where relatives said an X-ray was again carried out before she was discharged at 12.58am with medicine.

The family said they had asked for her to be admitted but were told they would have to wait for a senior doctor.

Family seeks explanation

The following day, after having her wounds dressed at a health station, Wirawan became increasingly unwell, relatives said. She complained of pain, aching and nausea, then slumped twice after being given a bag to vomit into.

Rescue workers took her to Sadao Hospital for a third time. Panida said relatives arrived about 30 minutes later and were told staff were trying to save her.

Sirorat said she was eventually allowed into the resuscitation room, where she found her sister covered with a sheet and her body stiff. A doctor later showed the family X-ray films, saying the first showed no injury, the second showed gas in the stomach, and the third showed spots suggesting air or something in the abdomen. The doctor said the cause of death would be investigated, the family said.

Hospital staff told reporters that only the director could comment, but that the director was in a meeting and unavailable to give a statement.

Pictures courtesy of Komchadluek

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9 August 2026