"Social Security Office" provides initial financial aid of 400,000 baht to the insured person's family after a doctor's misdiagnosis led to the patient's death.
On 21 July 2026, it was reported that the Social Security Office is expediting assistance for the family of Mr. Phanupong, an insured person who died after receiving treatment at an authorized medical facility in Ratchaburi province. The subcommittee on initial compensation for insured persons harmed by medical services approved a payment of 400,000 baht to the heirs, which is the highest amount allowed under the regulations, to alleviate the family's hardship.
Associate Professor Dr. Nakarin Pinpathomrat, Director of the Medical Service System Office and Deputy Spokesperson for the Social Security Office, stated that in the subcommittee meeting on 20 July 2026, all relevant documents and medical opinions were thoroughly reviewed. The case met the criteria for initial compensation under Clause 4 of the Medical Committee's announcement under the Social Security Act on compensation guidelines and rates (2nd edition) 2024, and Clause 5 (1) of the Medical Committee's announcement dated 17 January 2018. The case was classified as category 1 damage—death—leading to approval of the 400,000 baht compensation to the heirs.
The Deputy Spokesperson added that regarding the inspection of medical service standards, the Social Security Office will submit the matter to the subcommittee overseeing the quality and standards of medical services to examine the facts and take action according to their authority. If any deficiencies or non-compliance with standards and contractual conditions are found in the medical facility, strict legal and contractual measures will be enforced.
Meanwhile, the Social Security Office has coordinated and advised the heirs on applying for death-related benefits and is expediting the review, assessment, and payment of legal entitlements to the eligible parties promptly.
The Social Security Office affirmed it will handle the case with transparency, speed, thoroughness, and fairness, fully protecting the rights of the insured person and heirs. It will also closely monitor the quality and standards of services from contracted medical facilities to maintain confidence in the social security system and ongoing protection of insured persons' medical rights.