PHATTHALUNG — A dentist who worked at the only dental clinic in Khao Chaison district died in a car crash during her lunch break, leaving colleagues, patients and local residents mourning her sudden loss.
Dr Siriporn Phetyoi, affectionately known as “Dr. Boat”, was a dentist at Khao Chaison Hospital in Phatthalung province. She was killed in a road accident on 30 June while driving to have lunch.
She was rushed to Khao Chaison Hospital, where she worked, but doctors and colleagues were unable to save her despite their efforts.
The news of her death spread on 1 July, prompting an outpouring of condolences from the local healthcare community and residents who had known or been treated by her.
Suriya Sukniam, a medical technologist and colleague, paid tribute to Dr. Boat in a Facebook post, describing her as a kind, friendly and compassionate dentist who always cared deeply for her patients.
He recalled the cheerful atmosphere they shared at work and said he was shocked to learn that the critically injured patient brought to the hospital by ambulance that afternoon was Dr. Boat, who had recently treated his teeth.
“I was heartbroken when I found out it was you,” he wrote, wishing her peace in the afterlife.
Another Facebook user, Kantkanit Dao, said Dr Boat worked at the only dental clinic in Khao Chaison district and was admired for her gentle personality, bright future and dedication to caring for patients.
According to the post, the accident occurred while she was returning home for lunch. She was taken back to Khao Chaison Hospital, where colleagues fought to save her life, but she later succumbed to her injuries.
The post also raised concerns about the crash site, saying the bridge where the accident occurred is narrower than the approaching roadway and urging authorities to improve its design and implement stronger road safety measures to help prevent similar accidents.
Photos from the scene showed Dr. Boat’s car extensively damaged following the collision.
Following her death, tributes poured in from Khao Chaison Hospital, Phatthalung School, the Faculty of Dentistry at Prince of Songkla University, as well as former patients and members of the public.
Many remembered Dr Boat as a skilled, calm and caring dentist whose kindness and professionalism earned the trust and affection of the community she served.
