Cancer patient’s family allegedly forced to pay before ambulance let through

A private ambulance company is facing criticism after a family alleged that its staff prevented an emergency ambulance, carrying an 83-year-old cancer patient, from reaching the hospital due to a cancellation fee dispute. The incident reportedly transpired on Monday evening, August 17, when the patient's son called the 1669 emergency medical hotline due to his mother's chest tightness and breathing difficulties.

Initially, Erawan Emergency Medical Centre, the state ambulance company, was to coordinate an emergency vehicle, but as the patient's condition deteriorated, the son opted to contact a private ambulance provider instead. The private ambulance arrived first and blocked the alley, demanding a 1,000 baht cancellation fee in cash, stating that the booking could not be canceled.

The son complied with the request, fearing that a delayed trip to the hospital might worsen his mother's condition. After receiving the payment, the staff refused to move the ambulance, prompting the son to confront them. The private ambulance company denied the allegations, stating that the disputed cancellation fee was actually 1,500 baht and denied intentionally obstructing the sick patient's path to the hospital, emphasizing the importance of rapid patient transport in emergency services.

The company threatened legal action against the son for publishing video footage without permission. The National Institute for Emergency Medicine (NIEM) has launched an investigation into the incident, and the Public Health Ministry ordered NIEM to establish measures to prevent similar occurrences, particularly when the public contacts the 1669 emergency hotline while arranging a private ambulance.