Bullet left in teen’s arm, hospital accused of negligence

BANGKOK – A hospital in Thailand’s Ramkhamhaeng area has been accused of negligence after allegedly allowing a teenage victim of a violent attack to return home with a bullet still lodged in his arm.

According to The Thaiger, the teenager and two friends, aged 15 and 16, were attacked by a group of unidentified youths armed with weapons while riding a motorcycle.

All three sustained serious injuries in the incident. One remains in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU), while the other two were discharged.

The allegation of negligence was subsequently raised with the Secretary to Thailand’s Minister of Social Development and Human Security (M-Society), Thanakrit Jit-areerat.

Thanakrit said the hospital director and medical personnel involved have been contacted to clarify the treatment provided.

According to the hospital, the teenager who suffered a head injury received stitches and underwent an X-ray examination. Doctors later determined his condition was stable and safe for discharge.

The hospital also said the victim with a bullet lodged in his arm had undergone an X-ray, which showed no damage to tissue or vital organs.

As such, he was allowed to return home, as not all gunshot wounds require surgery to remove a bullet.

However, Thanakrit said the teenager will be transferred to Rajavithi Hospital for further treatment.

He added that M-Society officers will continue monitoring the case, as all three victims are minors.

In a related development, Thanakrit said his office would cooperate with relevant agencies to pursue legal action against the group believed to be responsible for the attack.

The identities of the alleged attackers have not been disclosed.