Thai doctor from Mongkutwattana hospital in Bangkok charged for physically assaulting and stripping naked a 14-year boy

Thailand News: In a case that has garnered widespread attention and sparked significant public outrage, a prominent doctor from Mongkutwattana Hospital in Bangkok, along with three others, has been formally charged with multiple offenses, including assault and indecent acts against a 14-year-old boy. The incident, which took place on May 13, 2024, has raised serious concerns about the abuse of power and the ethical responsibilities of medical professionals.


Thai doctor from Mongkutwattana hospital in Bangkok charged for physically assaulting and stripping naked a 14-year boy
Image taken from Sydney Morning Herald
 
The Incident Unfolds
The ordeal began when the 14-year-old boy, whose identity remains undisclosed due to his age, was caught smoking in the restroom of the outpatient department at Mongkutwattana Hospital. The boy, who had been visiting his pregnant girlfriend, was approached by hospital staff who demanded a fine of 5,000 baht for violating the hospital’s no-smoking policy. When the boy failed to produce the money, his mobile phone was confiscated.
 
Things took a dramatic turn when Dr. Rienthong Nanna, the hospital’s director and a former operations director of the Army Medical Department holding the rank of a Major-general, arrived at the scene. According to the boy's account, Dr. Rienthong, known for his strict and often controversial disciplinary measures, confronted the boy, slapped him multiple times, and then ordered him to strip naked. The terrified boy complied and was subsequently forced to walk naked along Chaeng Watthana Road, a busy street in Bangkok.
 
Legal Charges and the Court's Response
The gravity of the situation led to formal charges being filed against Dr. Rienthong and three others involved in the incident. The charges include extortion, assault, harassment, and committing indecent acts on a minor. The Office of the Special Prosecutor for Criminal Cases 4 submitted the lawsuit, bringing the accused before the Criminal Court. Despite the serious nature of the charges, all four defendants, including Dr. Rienthong, were granted temporary release pending further investigation.
 
During the court proceedings, Dr. Rienthong admitted to the assault but claimed that his actions were intended to teach the boy a lesson. He remained defiant, insisting that the punishment was justified given the boy’s behavior. The court, however, viewed the actions as a clear violation of the boy's dignity and human rights. An evidence review is scheduled for December 9, where the court will examine the evidence and witness testimonies in detail.
 
Public Outcry and Ethical Concerns
The case has sparked a wave of public outrage, with many questioning the ethical standards of medical professionals who are entrusted with the care and well-being of patients. The incident has also drawn attention to the broader issue of abuse of power within institutions that are supposed to protect and serve the public.
 
Lawyer Ratchaphon Sirisakhon , who represents the boy and his family, has called for a thorough investigation into the incident. He emphasized that while the boy’s actions of smoking in the hospital were wrong, the punishment meted out by Dr. Rienthong was excessively harsh and illegal. Ratchaphon has urged the authorities to hold those responsible accountable and to ensure that such abuses of power do not occur again.
 
The Doctor’s Controversial Background
Dr. Rienthong is no stranger to controversy. Over the years, he has built a reputation for his uncompromising stance on discipline and his outspoken views on social issues. In 2020, he was accused of employment discrimination after demanding that new doctors or healthcare staff provide access to their social media accounts. He has also been known for his aggressive campaign to rid his hospital of individuals who do not share his beliefs.
 
It was aslo reported that last year he was given a suspended prison term and fined 200,000 baht in a defamation case filed against him by Sira Jenjaka, a former Palang Pracharath Party MP for Bangkok. The complaint stemmed from a vulgar Facebook post the doctor made against Mr Sira.
 
He has also been involved in numerous controversial actions but always seems to escape any prison terms or laws due to possible connections in high places. There are lots of Thailand News coverages about his past exploits.
 
https://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2020/01/15/ultraroyalist-hospital-director-says-new-hires-must-disclose-social-media-accounts/
 
https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/crimecourtscalamity/2020/10/19/doctor-fired-for-opposing-use-of-chemical-agents-on-protesters/
 
https://www.smh.com.au/world/asia/a-ruthless-thai-vigilante-wants-to-retire-in-australia-victims-who-fled-here-say-he-must-be-stopped-20221204-p5c3fk.html
 
https://www.news.com.au/world/asia/ultraroyalist-rienthong-nannas-plans-to-move-to-australia-draw-opposition/news-story/ab52f20980d566937c6702b61cbfebc1
 
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/406344/rco-plays-down-militancy
 
In this particular case, Dr. Rienthong’s response to the charges has been equally contentious. He has publicly stated that he would raise the fine for smoking in his hospital to 500,000 baht, further emphasizing his strict no-smoking policy. Additionally, he has vowed to fight any legal action taken against him, showing no remorse for his actions.
 
The Boy's Perspective and Family's Response
The 14-year-old boy, traumatized by the incident, has maintained that he was unaware of the hospital’s no-smoking policy. His mother, Ms. Kanlaya, has expressed deep regret for her son’s actions but insists that the punishment was disproportionate and cruel. She has called on the hospital and its director to take responsibility for their actions, stating that while her son may have made a mistake, the hospital's response was far from justified.
 
The boy’s family, along with their legal counsel, is seeking justice and hopes that the legal proceedings will bring accountability to those involved. The case has highlighted the need for a balanced approach to discipline, especially in institutions that wield significant power over individuals.
 
Groups waiting to see action from Medical Association of Thailand And Thai MOPH
It was claimed that there are now many activists’ groups and even politicians awaiting see if the Medical Association and the Thai MOPH pushed for the revoking of the doctor’s license of Dr. Rienthong and also the operational license and credentials of Monkutwattan Hospital as they claim that Dr. Rienthong’s numerous past behavior and incidences and the current legal issues warrants his removal from the medical practice. The groups are planning to take action against relevant officials and personnel from these mentioned agencies should they not do anything.
 
Looking Ahead: The Broader Implications
As the case progresses, it continues to raise important questions about the limits of authority and the responsibilities of those in positions of power. The outcome of the December 9 evidence review will be closely watched, not only for its legal implications but also for what it might mean for the future of ethical standards in medical institutions in Thailand.
 
This incident serves as a stark reminder that while rules and regulations are essential for maintaining order, they must be enforced with compassion and respect for human dignity. The public will undoubtedly continue to demand answers and accountability as the case unfolds, with many hoping that justice will ultimately prevail.
 
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