A heated controversy erupted when a doctor angrily confronted hospital staff outside the examination room after the X-ray film system malfunctioned, causing delayed examinations and patients left waiting in vain. Recently, the Nakhon Si Thammarat Provincial Public Health Office ordered an urgent investigation, revealing initial issues stemmed from data migration.
On 8 August 2026, reporters noted the incident became widely discussed online after a Facebook user posted a video from a hospital in Nakhon Si Thammarat province. The clip showed a male doctor standing and criticizing hospital staff in front of the examination room, alongside a nurse, with many patients waiting for services.
The post stated, "When the doctor couldn't examine patients because the X-ray films were missing from the system, he couldn't access them. The staff had been called since morning but by noon no one arrived, claiming to be in another province. The public had to wait because of the responsible staff. Thanks to the doctor for standing up for the people."
After the clip circulated, many expressed opinions—some thanked and praised the doctor for understanding patients waiting since morning and criticized the staff's performance. Others felt the doctor's emotional reprimand of the nurse at the room was inappropriate, as the nurse was merely coordinating. They suggested addressing the root cause—the X-ray system administrators—instead of confronting staff publicly to avoid undue stress and pressure.
Reporters later attempted to contact Dr. Jirawan Arayapong, director of Maharaj Nakhon Si Thammarat Hospital where the incident occurred, for details. She declined to be interviewed, stating she was on official duty in another province and that fact-finding was ongoing.
Reporters then reached Dr. Sutthipot Chayanatpong, provincial public health chief, by phone. He explained he had coordinated with hospital management, learning the issue involved migrating patient data during a system upgrade. While the new system aims to improve efficiency, this caused a temporary disruption. He noted management should clarify the situation with doctors and relevant staff to prevent problems, and he planned to send personnel to inspect and restore public trust.
He added he ordered an investigation following the viral clip and would appoint a committee to examine the facts. The hospital director is currently on urgent duty elsewhere but will conduct a thorough review and provide an official explanation upon return. "Honestly, I don't yet know all the details, but once accurate facts are confirmed, I will inform the public accordingly," he said.