Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Feb 18, 2025 2 days, 7 hours, 57 minutes ago
Thailand Hospital News:
Nurse Attacked for Enforcing Hospital Safety Rules
A troubling incident at Rayong Hospital has drawn widespread attention, highlighting the growing concerns over violence in medical facilities. The hospital has announced that it will take full legal action against a man who physically assaulted a nurse in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after she reminded him that children were not allowed in the ward for safety reasons.
Thailand Hospitals Take Legal Stand Against Violence in Medical Facilities
Dr. Phusit Supsomphol, the director of Rayong Hospital, confirmed in a press conference that the hospital would not seek any compromise and would support the victim in pursuing justice to the full extent of the law.
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The incident, which took place at 6 PM on Sunday, was captured on the hospital’s security cameras, and the footage was widely shared on social media.
A number
Thailand Hospitals have also come together to call for more protection and harsher penalties for individuals who commit acts of violence in hospitals or any healthcare settings after a number of such cases has risen in the last few months in various hospitals across the country.
This
Thailand Medical News report details how the attack unfolded. In a video posted online, the man is seen striking the nurse multiple times. He first delivers two forceful slaps to the side of her head, causing her to sway, and then follows up with a backhand slap before walking out of the ICU. Dr. Phusit explained that the nurse had simply followed hospital protocol and warned the man that children were not permitted in the ICU due to infection risks. In response, the man lashed out violently. The nurse immediately filed a police complaint at the Muang Rayong police station later that evening.
Hospital Pledges Full Support for Nurse’s Legal Action
Dr. Phusit assured that the hospital is standing firmly behind the nurse and will provide full legal assistance, emphasizing that no negotiations will be made with the attacker. Fortunately, medical examinations, including a brain scan, confirmed that the nurse did not suffer any internal injuries. However, she is experiencing pain in her head and significant mental distress due to the attack.
Meanwhile, Pol. Col. Wepong Kongkaew, commander of Muang Rayong police station, reported that the assailant turned himself in on the same day. He claimed that his violent reaction stemmed from frustration and stress over his wife’s illness. According to Wepong, the man stated that the nurse’s words had angered him, specifically when she allegedly remarked, “Both m
other and child could die” if the child entered the ICU. Already anxious about his wife's condition, he reacted impulsively with aggression.
Social Media Reaction and Further Developments
The incident gained more traction when a nurse, who uses the Facebook name Prang Tewika, shared details online, seeking legal advice for her sister - the victim of the assault. Her post quickly went viral, drawing strong reactions from netizens, who condemned the attacker’s actions and demanded stricter protections for medical professionals.
The assailant later commented on social media, justifying his actions by claiming that the nurse had spoken disrespectfully to his wife. He admitted to his wrongdoing but insisted that he had acted out of anger. His wife also defended him, explaining that the dispute arose because their child had transmitted influenza to the grandmother, who was hospitalized. The grandmother, in her love for the child, wished to see them, which led to the altercation.
The wife further alleged that the nurse’s words were deeply hurtful. According to her, the nurse had asked, “Losing a mother isn’t enough? Do you want to lose your child as well?” The nurse later admitted to making the statement but clarified that it was intended as a stern warning, not an insult. She emphasized that multiple medical staff had already advised the family against bringing the child into the ward due to infection risks. She reiterated that her duty was to enforce hospital safety protocols and never anticipated facing such a violent response.
Conclusion: A Call for Better Protection of Medical Workers
This shocking incident underscores the urgent need for greater protections for healthcare workers in Thailand. Nurses and doctors work tirelessly to safeguard patients and ensure hospital protocols are followed for everyone’s safety. When violence is used against medical professionals simply for enforcing these regulations, it raises serious concerns about hospital security and staff welfare.
Rayong Hospital’s firm stance in pursuing legal action sets a strong precedent, reinforcing that violence against healthcare workers will not be tolerated. This case also highlights the emotional strain that family members of patients may face, emphasizing the need for better communication and conflict resolution in hospitals. Moving forward, authorities and hospital administrators must take proactive steps to prevent such incidents, whether through increased security, stricter penalties for assaults on medical staff, or better awareness campaigns to educate the public on hospital policies.
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