BANGKOK - A  South Korean doctor practicing in Thailand was arrested by Thai authorities during a raid on a central Bangkok beauty clinic. The operation was led by Dr. Phanuwat Panket, head of the Department of Health Services, alongside representatives from the Medical Council of Thailand and local police. The raid caught the doctor in the act of treating a patient, reportedly through agency referrals.

 

The doctor faces charges under the Medical Profession Act B.E.2525 (1982) for practicing without proper registration and permission in Thailand, an offence with potential penalties of up to three years in prison and/or a fine of 30,000 baht.

 

Dr. Topol Wattana from the Medical Council stated that they will be gathering evidence against the clinic for employing an unlicensed physician, with this offence carrying a penalty of up to two years imprisonment and/or a fine of 40,000 baht. The Council aims to submit this evidence to the Consumer Protection Police, prompting an interrogation of the doctor.

Furthermore, the Immigration Police will be alerted to prevent the doctor's departure from Thailand. Should he evade detention, Interpol will be contacted to secure his capture.

 

Dr. Akom Pradit Suwan, deputy chief of the Department of Health Services, emphasised the necessity for beauty clinics to comply with legal protocols when employing foreign doctors. Clinics must secure permission from the local health authority, and foreign doctors must pass exams to obtain a professional license to practice in Thailand.

 

These developments highlight the stringent regulatory environment for medical practitioners in Thailand, especially those from abroad. This incident raises broader questions about regulatory compliance and the oversight of foreign professionals in the country's bustling beauty industry, reported Thai Newsroom, Ministry of Public Health.

 

Picture courtesy: Ministry of Public Health

 

-- 2024-10-12

 

 

The Korean knew what he did. He knew he needs to be registered.

So what? Karma. Face it!😵‍💫

I know there are far too many people work here without a permit, taking Thai jobs (perhaps debateable), but WTF is someone this qualified, and supposedly intelligent, think they are doing?

 

Am assuming he is properly trained and registered in Korea of course.  Guess the Thai Medical Council needs to be contacting the Korean equivalent too.

7 hours ago, webfact said:

The doctor faces charges under the Medical Profession Act B.E.2525 (1982) for practicing without proper registration and permission in Thailand, an offence with potential penalties of up to three years in prison and/or a fine of 30,000 baht.

This is for Thai people only.

Is there any policy regarding telemedicine, i.e. a doctor advising or treating a patient in Thailand from Boston, for example?

14 hours ago, webfact said:

Should he evade detention, Interpol will be contacted to secure his capture

sure-sure. Interpolp. Do they kauchai what is the purpose of Interpopl? 

Obviously not chasing unlicensed proctologists, right? 

6 hours ago, Classic Ray said:

Also, I expect South Korean clients can have their unnecessary operations done cheaper here than in their own country as a result.

Good and very valid point. Boob job for half price done by Kimchi man? Great isn't?