11-12-2024 (BANGKOK) A tragic incident at Kantharalak Hospital has sparked outrage after a 31-year-old man undergoing treatment for alcohol withdrawal died following an alleged violent confrontation with hospital staff.
The deceased, identified as Sa-ard Bunla, succumbed to injuries on 7 December, with a post-mortem examination by the Institute of Forensic Medicine revealing that the cause of death was trauma to the head inflicted by a blunt object.
According to the victim’s father, Thongsuk Kaewraksa, his son had been admitted to the hospital on 4 December after experiencing seizures, which developed two days after ceasing alcohol consumption. Initially, Mr Bunla’s condition had shown signs of improvement during his first two nights of hospitalisation.
However, the situation took a dramatic turn at approximately 3 am on 7 December, when hospital staff decided to transfer Mr Bunla to the psychiatric ward, citing concerns over his restless behaviour, incoherent speech, and continuous mobile phone use throughout the night.
CCTV footage from the shared ward, which has since emerged in Thai media, captured a disturbing sequence of events. The recording shows Mr Bunla attempting to exit the ward before being intercepted by two male staff members. The footage reveals the staff forcefully restraining the patient, including throwing him to the ground and repeatedly striking his head. Two female staff members subsequently joined in restraining Mr Bunla, attempting to apply handcuffs whilst holding him down.
Mr Kaewraksa, who was present at the hospital during the incident, reported hearing the altercation but was prevented from entering the ward. When expressing concern about the level of force being used, he was reportedly assured by staff that such measures were standard procedure.
Upon visiting his son at 6 am, Mr Kaewraksa found him restrained to his bed, bearing multiple visible injuries. Approximately 14 hours later, at 8 pm, Mr Bunla was pronounced dead.
Dr Thanong Weerasangpong of Si Sa Ket Provincial Public Health has confirmed that both male staff members involved in the incident have been suspended pending a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr Bunla’s death.
