Accident Man in Coma After Hospital Dismisses Venomous Snake Bite as ‘Non-Emergency’

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

A man is in a coma after allegedly being misdiagnosed and prematurely discharged from a hospital, following a venomous snake bite. Family members are accusing medical staff of negligence and questioning the hospital’s triage procedures.

 

The incident was brought to public attention via a Facebook post from an acquaintance of the victim, who recounted how the man was bitten by a snake at around 01:00. Upon arriving at the hospital, doctors conducted a blood test and concluded that there was no venom present, prescribing only paracetamol and antibiotics. The family was told the case was not serious and that the man could return home.

 

The doctor reportedly advised the man’s mother to bring him back to the hospital at 9:00. However, before that time, the victim’s condition deteriorated rapidly, he became non-verbal, experienced respiratory distress, and was unable to open his eyes or move his tongue.

 

He was rushed back to the hospital, where a second blood test revealed the presence of venom. Doctors then confirmed that he had been bitten by a bungarus candidus, known locally as a “tub samingkhla” snake or Malayan krait, one of the most venomous species in Thailand.

 

Family members criticised the hospital for failing to act urgently, despite clear signs of a venomous bite, and condemned the lack of appropriate antivenom treatment in the initial visit. “This kind of negligence is unacceptable. Every life has value, and no one should be treated as less important,” the Facebook post read.

 

Experts describe the bungarus candidus as a highly dangerous species, identifiable by its black-and-white banded body. Although the bite may be painless or barely noticeable, the neurotoxic venom can quickly lead to respiratory failure and death, especially if the victim is bitten while asleep and unaware of the injury.

 

Medical professionals warn that immediate medical attention and antivenom are crucial for survival following a bite from this snake. The delay in treatment can result in severe complications, including coma or death.

 

The hospital involved has not yet issued a public statement regarding the incident. Calls are growing for an official investigation and a review of emergency care protocols to prevent similar cases in the future.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-09.

 

 

 

[JimHuaHin]

He should have been kept in the hospital's ER for a few hours of observation.

[steven100]

This happens fairly regularly here,  in that patients are often miss-diagnosed.   I wouldn't trust a chicken seller let alone a thai doctor. 

 

Seems they are either not fully trained or qualified & have poor judgement in assessing symptoms and correct treatment.