Image composite courtesy of MGR online 

 

A heartfelt warning about the dangers of severe seafood allergies has been shared on Facebook by Chayutpol Sukkaew, after a near-fatal incident at a restaurant.

 

Chayutpol, who suffers from anaphylaxis, recounted how he experienced a life-threatening allergic reaction despite informing restaurant staff about his shrimp allergy. Unfortunately, he was served dishes containing shrimp-based ingredients like shrimp paste, known as kapi in Thai.

 

After eating a squid dish cooked with shrimp paste, he immediately experienced symptoms, with his heart rate soaring. Thankfully, he had an adrenaline injection prescribed by his doctor, which he used to prevent a fatal reaction. A doctor relative’s quick actions also ensured he was rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment.

 

While frustrated with the restaurant’s oversight, Chayutpol does not seek compensation. Instead, he hopes his story will serve as a cautionary tale for others with food allergies. He urged restaurants to clearly label allergenic ingredients and train staff about allergy risks. He also advised those with allergies to carry emergency medication and never assume safety when dining out.

 

The post has sparked widespread reactions. Many expressed anger over some Thai restaurants’ lack of understanding of food allergies, while others wished Chayutpol a speedy recovery. Comments stressed the importance of specifically asking about shrimp or shrimp paste in dishes, as staff might not realise kapi contains shrimp.

 

Some were surprised to learn that the squid dish included shrimp paste, noting that recipes can vary and diners should remain cautious.

 

Chayutpol concluded with an apology to anyone who may have been offended, expressing a sincere hope to raise awareness and prevent similar incidents in the future.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-06-18

 

 

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Chayutpol, who suffers from anaphylaxis, recounted how he experienced a life-threatening allergic reaction despite informing restaurant staff about his shrimp allergy. Unfortunately, he was served dishes containing shrimp-based ingredients like shrimp paste, known as kapi in Thai.

A warning to all ananphylaxis sufferers, Thailand may not be the safest destinations when it come to food.

Only experienced Anaphylactic Shock once. I had applied to college in North Carolina in the 1960s. Accepted, students were required to take Typhoid-Paratyhoid Vaccine. Came in a series of three sots. The first one resulted in severe reaction. Evidently, I already had some immunity and the vaccine caused the reaction. Decided on attending a different college elsewhere!

20 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Chayutpol, who suffers from anaphylaxis, recounted how he experienced a life-threatening allergic reaction despite informing restaurant staff about his shrimp allergy. Unfortunately, he was served dishes containing shrimp-based ingredients like shrimp paste, known as kapi in Thai.

In Thailand sellers and waiters doesn't have a clue about what they are selling/serving. 

Anyone who is susceptible to anaphylaxis should carry an EpiPen.

 

If you know you have such a severe allergy to prawns - why would you risk ordering squid ? ? ? 

They put so much fish sauce, oyster sauce, shrimp paste in addition to dried shrimp, in so many Thai dishes that for anyone suffering from seafood allergies I recommend eating only in vegan restaurants, or avoiding Thailand altogether. 

Thais have zero to very little knowledge about allergies and what causes them. They use all sorts of oils and sauces in their cooking without knowing all the ingredients.  Thailand and indeed any SEAsian country is not the place to eat out anything cooked by locals if you have serious allergies - aside from top end restaurants and khrapp like Pizza and Maccas and KFC - but even then, take that pen with you. 

 

On 6/19/2025 at 1:26 PM, dinsdale said:

Anyone who is susceptible to anaphylaxis should carry an EpiPen.

 

back in the USA I got whaked back a yellow jacket ..nasty nasty reaction ..  ER the whole 9 yards,,   doctor prescribed me to carry one of these the price was about $25 ea.    now it in the range  of $650 for a 2pack    big pharma...!

3 minutes ago, Luuk Chaai said:

back in the USA I got whaked back a yellow jacket ..nasty nasty reaction ..  ER the whole 9 yards,,   doctor prescribed me to carry one of these the price was about $25 ea.    now it in the range  of $650 for a 2pack    big pharma...!

Very expensive in Thailand also.

I ordered a dish in Black Canyon stipulating that I am allergic to talay (seafood). So, no talay.

The dish arrived with some small prawns

The waitress told me: "That is not talay. It is prawns."