Phatthana has ordered an investigation into the death of a patient from a brewery fire after hospital transfer, despite family objections citing the patient's critical condition.
On 27 July 2026 at Government House, Phatthana Prompapat, Minister of Public Health, addressed the death of a Sound Engineer from a brewery fire in the Lat Phrao area. The deceased's wife publicly opposed the hospital transfer after the 72-hour period under the UCEP entitlement (Emergency Critical Patient Protection, allowing treatment at any nearby hospital without charge) because she believed the patient's condition remained critical. Ultimately, after the hospital transfer, the patient did indeed pass away.
Phatthana said that details must first be examined, but from a medical standpoint, burn wounds covering large areas carry a very high risk of death within the initial 7–14 days. However, the deeper specifics require checking with the attending physician handling this case.
When reporters pressed on the issue of the patient being transferred within the first three days of treatment, which the deceased's wife opposed due to the critical condition, the Minister firmly stated that the case details must be reviewed first. He explained that at the initial admission stage, there must be an agreement that if transfer is necessary, the receiving hospital must have adequate capacity to care for critical patients.
Phatthana concluded that during the transfer process, doctors from both the originating and receiving hospitals must jointly and thoroughly assess the situation to prevent significant adverse effects on the patient. For detailed treatment and procedural information from that day, it will be necessary to await clear explanations from the attending physician.