Appalling treatment by hospital

His death has apparently exposed many shortcomings that we must rectify for our own benefit.

Kasem Bundhit University evidently deducted social welfare contributions from Mr Davies’ salary but didn’t forward them to the Social Welfare Fund – so when he first checked in to a public hospital, it wasn’t clear that he would be covered. Employers who “forget” such payments should be held liable for full payment of medical expenses run up by their staff, plus a hefty penalty, for diverting their staff’s money without authorisation.

The British Embassy apparently declined to help in any way, despite being informed that a British citizen was at death’s door. You, dear reader, should make sure that your government will not be so “who cares?” when you need it.

Mr Davies reported that HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Medical Centre in Nakhon Nayok gave him totally inadequate medical care, including tying him to his bed. All thanks for what care Mr Davies received must go to his co-workers, students, friends, and, in particular, to well-connected Bangkok businesswoman Patrachit Chotikapanich. But one’s health care shouldn’t depend on how influential one’s friends are – making a thorough investigation into the Nakhon Nayok medical centre by the Public Health Ministry all the more urgent and important.

As Khun Patrachit noted, “How is Thailand going to attract quality foreign teachers to help us improve our English-language skills if they are treated like this? What is the point of having a large embassy compound with hundreds of staff if they refuse to intervene on behalf of their citizens? Is this the service standard that British people expect?”

Dear reader, would you treat your dog better than Mr Davies was treated?

Burin Kantabutra

Bangkok