KHON KAEN — 4 June 2026, the director of Khon Kaen Hospital has led a team to present an apology basket to a patient after a nurse mistakenly injected another patient with the same first name, confirming the fluid was only saline solution and probing into staff negligence ongoing.
This follows an incident where Thanaphon Athiphatpaphakon posted a photo while awaiting treatment at Khon Kaen Hospital, stating that a nurse had mistakenly injected him with medication intended for another patient. He noted that he is waiting for clarification from Khon Kaen Regional Hospital as he had already informed staff that the surname being called was not his.
On Thursday, at Special Ward 298 on the fifth floor of Khon Kaen Hospital, Dr. Thanasit Praipong, hospital director, accompanied by a team of medical executives, nurses, and the attending physician to visit 48-year-old patient, Thanaphon. The delegation presented a gift basket and provided a clarification regarding the incident. Dr. Thanasit apologised and expressed his regrets over what had occurred.
Dr. Thanasit said the error occurred in the nursing service because there were two patients named “Thanaphon,” leading to a mistake in patient identification. He admitted that staff had acted negligently, and a formal fact-finding investigation had already been launched under the hospital’s internal procedures. He emphasized that the management team has not ignored this incident. It is a serious matter that directly affects patients receiving treatment and the hospital will use this case to improve its working procedures.
“The incident had caused immeasurable damage to the organization’s image. Once regarded as one of the best hospitals in Thailand, but that reputation has vanished. We want to rebuild trust so that everyone who comes to receive our services can feel confident. Our executives, nurses, and entire staff have always been instilled with prioritising patient safety above all else,” Dr. Thanasit added.
Dr. Thanasit continued that according to the investigation, a saline solution had been injected before staff realized it was given to the wrong patient. Although it was merely saline, the investigation must still continue. Any disciplinary action would depend on the intent and exact details of the mistake, as well as whether professional standards had been breached.
Meanwhile, Thanaphon said he felt more relieved. He admitted that he had been frightened and highly concerned, prompting him to post about the incident as a record, ensuring that someone would be held accountable in case he suffered harm or died. However, after receiving the explanation from the hospital director, he feels much more at ease. He insisted that he had not intended to damage the reputation of the hospital or its medical staff. He chose to receive treatment at Khon Kaen Hospital because of his trust and confidence in its personnel and would still be willing to return here for medical treatment, if necessary, in the future.
