"Slaughterhouse" Remark Sparks Legal Action at Khon Kaen Hospital

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of Mancha Khiri Hospital via Chakkrapan Natanri

 

KHON KAEN - Mancha Khiri Hospital is taking a firm stand following a heated incident in its intensive care unit. After Anucha Chuenjai labelled the facility a "slaughterhouse" in a rage over his mother's treatment, the hospital lodged a police complaint, accusing him of defamation and causing a public disturbance, hospital director Pornpol Laowithaya announced on Friday.

 

Violence and abuse towards healthcare workers will not be tolerated, Dr Pornpol emphasised, standing firm on pursuing the case through local authorities.

 

Anucha's frustration erupted on Monday night, as he accused the staff of neglecting his 70-year-old mother Chamroon, who was admitted following a sudden bout of weakness. His fiery comments were captured on social media, sparking a viral debate.

 

Fueled by concern, he was overheard demanding, "Can you come to see her first? Do you want me to make a video clip? She is dying."

 

Despite his distress, doctors verified Mrs Chamroon’s condition as stable and non-urgent amid a bustling ward during the Songkran holiday rush. The situation was exacerbated by the hospital's staffing challenges.

 

 

 

Standing by the staff's protocol, the hospital highlighted the importance of proper patient categorisation, especially during peak periods.

 

Anucha’s father, Somyong Chuenjai, apologised to the hospital, acknowledging his son's intense worry. He reassured that while Anucha had since returned to Bangkok, the family would respect legal proceedings and any decisions made.

 

Local police chief, Pol Col Theetacth Pongsuwan, announced plans to interview at least three nurses besides discussing the hospital’s legal intentions.

 

A decision on whether to proceed with or potentially expand charges against Mr Anucha remains on the horizon. The case underscores the ongoing challenge hospitals face in maintaining calm and safety amidst tensions in emergency care settings.

 

Based on a story by Bangkok Post

 

 

ญาติคนไข้หัวร้อน ด่ากราดพยาบาลลั่นห้องฉุกเฉิน โวยโรงพยาบาลฆ่าสัตว์ ฉุนไม่ดูแลแม่ ขณะที่ ผอ.โรงพยาบาลเผย ให้พยาบาลดำเนินคดีแล้ว ยันเอาเรื่องถึงที่สุด ด้านพ่อผู้ก่อเหตุ ไหว้ขอโทษแทน บอกลูกเป็นคนใจร้อน เชื่อเป็นห่วงแม่กลัวเสียชีวิต#เรื่องเล่าเช้านี้ #ข่าวช่อง3 #ด่าพยาบาล pic.twitter.com/jme0YgiAU2

— เรื่องเล่าเช้านี้ (@MorningNewsTV3) April 18, 2025

 

 

-- 2025-04-19

 

 

[ukrules]

Now everyone knows, dumb <deleted> at the hospital should have kept their mouths shut

[jacnl2000]

+1

Here’s the “because…” part of the plan—the rationale—which was missing or not fully activated:

Preventing misunderstanding through structured, low-cost communication mechanisms helps reduce emotional escalations and reputational risk. It aligns ethically with patient-centered care and makes fiscal sense by lowering the chances of legal fallout.

No, I’m not writing a book on it. What has been written here hits the point perfectly, no need for a book. And no, I’m not submitting a policy proposal about proactive communication in critical care. Just stating what should be obvious.

[Gottfrid]

Threat of defamation in every corner. Shouldn´t be possible to sue someone because they worry about a relative.

[DaRoadrunner]

Ah defamation and lack of responsibility.... must be Thailand again. Why is it such a big problem with Thais when someone complains?

[Jonathan Swift]

9 hours ago, ukrules said:

Now everyone knows, dumb <deleted> at the hospital should have kept their mouths shut

Yeah, right? No news is good news.

[hotchilli]

6 hours ago, Gottfrid said:

Shouldn´t be possible to sue someone because they worry about a relative.

That largely depends on if what they said in public is true or not.

[Jonathan Swift]

6 hours ago, Gottfrid said:

Threat of defamation in every corner. Shouldn´t be possible to sue someone because they worry about a relative.

This I believe is criminal defamation, that would not be suing someone, that would be a prosecution. You can do both here. I don't know of any other civilized non communist country that allows such a thing.  

[AhFarangJa]

Thai hospital, money talks, even in the government ones.

[Sydebolle]

Well, when "complete absence of common sense" meets "loss of face", it escalates to the present status. Solution is flower basket, big apology and "wai" with reference to misunderstanding under stress. 

In private hospitals one can witness, more often than not, complete overstaffing which results in a bureaucracy of titanic proportions - and explains part of the huge difference in treatment costs. 

But, as long as there is plenty of lose change for submarines, destroyers, Air Force toys and interesting bridge ideas between the main land and touristic islands ...... we all can assume, that public healthcare, education and basic utility provisions like electricity and running water are all ticked off to the fullest satisfaction of everybody 😉
 

[HuaHinNew]

18 hours ago, DaRoadrunner said:

Ah defamation and lack of responsibility.... must be Thailand again. Why is it such a big problem with Thais when someone complains?

Because loss of face to Thais out ways any acceptance of the situation or responsibility, the emotion of a situation is rarely taking into account and the first knee-jerk reaction is, you have defamed us. 

[Bday Prang]

20 hours ago, hotchilli said:

That largely depends on if what they said in public is true or not.

I don't think the truth is particularly relevant when it comes to defamation cases here. If one makes a comment which defames somebody even if that comment was factually correct, one can still be sued

[StevieAus]

6 hours ago, Sydebolle said:

Well, when "complete absence of common sense" meets "loss of face", it escalates to the present status. Solution is flower basket, big apology and "wai" with reference to misunderstanding under stress. 

In private hospitals one can witness, more often than not, complete overstaffing which results in a bureaucracy of titanic proportions - and explains part of the huge difference in treatment costs. 

But, as long as there is plenty of lose change for submarines, destroyers, Air Force toys and interesting bridge ideas between the main land and touristic islands ...... we all can assume, that public healthcare, education and basic utility provisions like electricity and running water are all ticked off to the fullest satisfaction of everybody 😉
 

In the 15 years I have lived in Thailand on the occasions I have had need to visit the local hospital mainly due to minor accidents I have received excellent care.

Regarding utilities such as water and electricity the service particularly relating to breakdowns is superior to what I experienced in Australia.

The PEA in particular provide excellent service 24 hours a day 52 weeks a year.

[kwilco]

On 4/18/2025 at 9:29 PM, webfact said:

Picture courtesy of Mancha Khiri Hospital via Chakkrapan Natanri

 

KHON KAEN - Mancha Khiri Hospital is taking a firm stand following a heated incident in its intensive care unit. After Anucha Chuenjai labelled the facility a "slaughterhouse" in a rage over his mother's treatment, the hospital lodged a police complaint, accusing him of defamation and causing a public disturbance, hospital director Pornpol Laowithaya announced on Friday.

 

Violence and abuse towards healthcare workers will not be tolerated, Dr Pornpol emphasised, standing firm on pursuing the case through local authorities.

 

Anucha's frustration erupted on Monday night, as he accused the staff of neglecting his 70-year-old mother Chamroon, who was admitted following a sudden bout of weakness. His fiery comments were captured on social media, sparking a viral debate.

 

Fueled by concern, he was overheard demanding, "Can you come to see her first? Do you want me to make a video clip? She is dying."

 

Despite his distress, doctors verified Mrs Chamroon’s condition as stable and non-urgent amid a bustling ward during the Songkran holiday rush. The situation was exacerbated by the hospital's staffing challenges.

 

 

 

Standing by the staff's protocol, the hospital highlighted the importance of proper patient categorisation, especially during peak periods.

 

Anucha’s father, Somyong Chuenjai, apologised to the hospital, acknowledging his son's intense worry. He reassured that while Anucha had since returned to Bangkok, the family would respect legal proceedings and any decisions made.

 

Local police chief, Pol Col Theetacth Pongsuwan, announced plans to interview at least three nurses besides discussing the hospital’s legal intentions.

 

A decision on whether to proceed with or potentially expand charges against Mr Anucha remains on the horizon. The case underscores the ongoing challenge hospitals face in maintaining calm and safety amidst tensions in emergency care settings.

 

Based on a story by Bangkok Post

 

 

 

 

-- 2025-04-19

 

 

It shows how difficult it is to get redress in the THai healthcare system.

[FruitPudding]

45 minutes ago, kwilco said:

It shows how difficult it is to get redress in the THai healthcare system.

 

What's the problem? Did his mother die from the "bout of weakness?"

 

I didn't click on the article to read further, but they obviously deemed her "low priority" compared to people coming in with heart attacks/strokes etc etc

 

If it was during Songkran, there would be a lot of carnage too (road accidents,  violent attacks, overdoses etc etc). Obviously very urgent stuff.

 

I once got my priority level bumped up a few notches by giving the nurse a bit of hassle, so it is possible.

 

Just don't defame them online, lol. What a numpty.