Sakon Nakhon – Social media heavily criticized the Subdistrict Health Promoter director for drinking beer while drawing blood from an 83-year-old woman. Locals revealed he was heavily intoxicated, failed to perform successfully, causing the elderly chronic patient’s arm to swell and bruise. When asked, he responded irritably, displeased, and claimed it is normal to provide off-site services at a cost of 1,000 baht per hour. They call on the supervising agency to conduct a transparent investigation.
Online criticism escalated after images circulated showing a man holding a can of beer sitting beside an elderly patient during medical service. It was identified that he is the director of a Subdistrict Health Promoter (SHP) in Waritchaphum District, Sakon Nakhon Province, prompting calls for relevant authorities to urgently verify the facts.
Regarding this matter, on 16 June 2026, reporters visited Ban Phuwang Noi, Kham Bo Subdistrict, Waritchaphum District, Sakon Nakhon Province, and met Mrs. Praphai (surname withheld), 83 years old, suffering from multiple chronic illnesses including diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney impairment. She is the person shown in the online images. The reporter sought details about the incident.
Miss Sujitra, the patient’s granddaughter, revealed that the incident occurred on the morning of 8 June when the SHP director from nearby came to draw blood and measure her grandmother’s blood pressure as scheduled by the hospital. However, she noticed he brought a can of beer and appeared to be intoxicated.
The granddaughter claimed that during the procedure, the blood draws failed multiple times, causing swelling and bruising on her grandmother’s arm and hand. When relatives inquired about the cause, the official responded with displeasure and claimed that off-site services normally cost 1,000 baht per hour. He also said if they were unhappy, they could travel to the hospital themselves before leaving the house.
Meanwhile, a local resident who wished to remain anonymous stated that this medical personnel has worked in the area for over 4-5 years. There have been past issues with alcohol consumption. Although he had stopped for a period, recently he returned to heavy drinking, which is widely known in the community.
The resident added that people in the six villages are aware of this behavior and are concerned about the image of public health services and confidence in the official’s duties. They therefore want the supervising agency to conduct a transparent fact-finding investigation.
Initially, locals have called on the responsible agency—currently the Subdistrict Health Promoter is under the supervision of the Sakon Nakhon Provincial Administrative Organization—to urgently investigate the complaint and take administrative action if misconduct is found, to restore trust and ensure the safety of service recipients.
At the same time, reporters have attempted to contact relevant agencies, including the Sakon Nakhon Provincial Administrative Organization, for comments. Updates will be provided as the situation develops.