Thai Man Jailed for Assaulting Nurse in Rayong Hospital Incident

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Photo via Facebook/ ดร. ธนกฤต จิตรอารีย์รัตน์
 

In a case that has stirred significant public interest, the Rayong Kwaeng Court has sentenced a Thai man to one month and 15 days in jail for assaulting a nurse at a hospital in Rayong, an eastern province of Thailand. The incident, which took place last month, has highlighted tensions over hospital protocols and family expectations.

 

The altercation began when the nurse advised a family not to bring a young child into the hospital ward, citing safety concerns. This warning led to an unexpected turn of events.

 

The nurse, whose identity has been protected, found herself on the receiving end of anger when one of the patient's family members physically assaulted her in response. Her elder sister took to social media to seek justice, shedding light on the violent incident that took place in what should be a safe and healing environment.

 

The family involved in the incident, particularly the attacker's wife, defended their actions by accusing the nurse of disrespect. According to the wife, her critically ill mother had contracted influenza from the family’s child. Desiring a brief visit from the grandchild to uplift her mother’s spirits, the family was met with the nurse's stern warning.

 

 

 

The nurse allegedly questioned, "Losing a mother isn’t enough? Do you want to lose your child as well?" These harsh words, intended to reinforce safety protocols, deeply offended the family.

 

In a fit of rage after his wife recounted the nurse's warning, the husband went to the hospital and attacked the nurse. CCTV footage captured the moment the man, wearing an orange shirt, approached and slapped the nurse twice on the head before leaving the scene.

 

The court's verdict, released yesterday, comes after both the nurse and the hospital stood firm on pressing charges. Originally, the attacker faced a three-month sentence for assaulting a hospital official on duty. However, his admission of guilt resulted in a reduced sentence.

 

Aside from the jail sentence, the court has mandated the attacker to compensate the nurse approximately 70,000 Thai Baht, with an additional 5 per cent interest per annum until full payment is made.

 

The case underscores the legal system's stance against violence within healthcare facilities and serves as a stark reminder of the challenges hospital staff face daily, reported The Thaiger.

 

 

-- 2025-03-20