"Patthana" has ordered an investigation into a private ambulance blocking an Erawan Center emergency vehicle, noting the risk this poses to emergency patients' lives. ","tags":["Health Ministry","Emergency Medical Services","Ambulance","Investigation"]
On 19 Aug 2026, Mr. Patthana Promphat, Minister of Public Health, disclosed that a complaint was received about a private ambulance blocking an Erawan Center Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance in Bangkok and demanding a 1,000 baht fee from the patient’s relatives for causing a delay. The incident occurred on 17 Aug 2026 at around 7:00 p.m. The elderly female patient was experiencing breathlessness, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing. The family called the Erawan Center emergency hotline 1669 but, out of concern, also contacted a private ambulance service separately.
Later, when the Erawan Center’s ALS ambulance arrived and was preparing to transport the patient to the hospital, the private ambulance arrived and blocked the alleyway, preventing the emergency vehicle from moving. The private ambulance then demanded a "delay fee" of 1,000 baht. Concerned the patient’s condition might worsen, the relatives paid the cash to have the vehicle moved.
Mr. Patthana stated that this incident severely undermines public confidence in the emergency medical system, especially during critical moments for patients. Blocking an ambulance and demanding payment can endanger patients’ lives. Therefore, he has ordered the National Institute for Emergency Medicine (NIEM) to urgently address four points: coordinate with Erawan Center to verify call reception, dispatch, and incident reports from the ALS team; investigate the private ambulance and personnel involved with relevant agencies for the day in question; examine the legality and compliance of the 1,000 baht charge with laws, regulations, and emergency medical service standards; and develop preventive measures and guidelines to avoid conflicts when the public simultaneously calls 1669 and private ambulances to prevent such obstruction in emergency care.
The Minister of Public Health emphasized that NIEM must report the investigation findings as soon as possible and prepare policy recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future.