A teacher and social media influencer from Ratchaburi has petitioned health authorities and professional medical bodies to investigate the treatment her late husband received at a private hospital, alleging possible breaches of medical and nursing standards.
Benyaporn Phanphet, better known as “Kru Sai”, was accompanied by Thanakrit Chit-arirat, a former secretary to the public health minister, as she submitted complaints to the Department of Health Service Support (DHSS), the Medical Council of Thailand (MCT) and the Thailand Nursing and Midwifery Council on Tuesday.
The petitions seek investigations into the conduct of doctors, nurses and other medical personnel involved in treating her husband before his death at a private hospital in Ratchaburi.
Mr Thanakrit said the complaint asks the DHSS to conduct a fresh on-site inspection based on testimony from the victim’s family rather than relying solely on information gathered from media reports. Investigators were asked to compare the family’s account with the hospital’s medical records to determine whether they are consistent.
He also urged the Medical Council and the Nursing Council to examine whether healthcare professionals involved complied with professional and ethical standards.
In addition, Mr Thanakrit asked the DHSS to act as a mediator in discussions with the hospital regarding preliminary compensation for the family. He said he had been authorised to assist the family in pursuing both civil and criminal action against those found responsible.
Ms Benyaporn is seeking an investigation into the death of her husband, Phanupong Wongwai, 31, following an alleged misdiagnosis at the hospital.
San Camillo Hospital has apologised and suspended the doctor involved, who has reportedly been unreachable since the incident. Hospital director Father Piyasak Wongwai has pledged full cooperation with the inquiry.
Ms Benyaporn said the doctor failed to perform an electrocardiogram (ECG) despite her husband complaining of chest pain. The doctor allegedly attributed the symptoms to anxiety and discharged him. Mr Phanupong later collapsed and died. An autopsy found two blocked coronary arteries.
Medical council secretary-general Ittaporn Kanacharoen said the council would review medical records, the autopsy report and other evidence to determine whether the treatment met professional standards. Also on Tuesday, Akhom Praditsuwan, deputy director-general of the DHSS, expressed condolences to the family and pledged a fair and impartial investigation.
Dr Ittaporn said the council had already requested documents and would summon all relevant parties to provide testimony. Medical experts would then assess whether the diagnosis and treatment met accepted clinical standards, he said.