Authorities are investigating a private clinic in Bo Win district of this eastern province after a father alleged staff poured hot water on his feverish three-and-a-half-year-old son, causing third-degree burns.
The Lao migrant worker said he took his son to the clinic on Wednesday for treatment of a high fever. Shortly after receiving an injection, the child went into shock. The doctor reportedly instructed staff to place a cloth on the child’s chest and pour warm water over him, followed by hot water twice more, causing the skin to blister. The child screamed in pain.
The doctor reportedly claimed the method was intended to revive the child from shock, though medical experts confirm this is not correct treatment protocol.
The father rushed his son to Rayong Hospital, where doctors admitted him to intensive care, stating the boy could have died if treatment had been delayed further.
Clinic’s response
Following the incident, the clinic claimed no wrongdoing. A senior staff member reportedly made reference to relatives working as a prosecutor and in public health.
A clinic assistant claimed the method used on the boy was equivalent to electrical stimulation.
As news of the controversy spread online, the doctor’s wife telephoned the father offering to provide care, claiming she had miscommunicated because she doesn’t speak Lao. She reportedly insisted the clinic could clean wounds better than hospitals.
Patient complaints
Since the news broke, other former patients have come forward with complaints about the doctor’s behaviour, including:
Using vulgar language and swearing at patients
Refusing to treat factory workers
Becoming angry when patients asked if medicine would cure them
Refusing examinations, saying ‘go check somewhere else, I can’t be bothered’.
Some patients alleged the doctor challenged them to physical fights and claimed to know influential people.
Official action
The Be One Foundation accompanied the family to meet officials from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security and the Rights and Liberties Protection Department on Wednesday.
Provincial welfare officials will coordinate hospital care and assess the child’s psychological condition. The Rights and Liberties Protection Department will assist with compensation claims.
Authorities confirmed the doctor holds a valid medical licence and the clinic is legally registered.
The Chon Buri Provincial Public Health Office has ordered the clinic temporarily closed pending investigation results. The case will be referred to the Medical Council of Thailand for an ethics investigation.