Medically-trained speedster resigns from post, struggles to settle compensation with accident victim
Hangin' Up the White Coat: Nong Bua Daeng Hospital Director's Shameful Exit
In a scandal-ridden turn of events, the head honcho of Nong Bua Daeng Hospital, Dr. Phuttha Samadchai, has decided to hang up his bureaucratic hat after his alleged drink-driving escapade that left two men dining at a roadside food joint with injuries.
Dragging his feet through a potential legal nightmare, Phuttha announced his early retirement on a Thursday, shedding light on his intentions to combat charges related to drunk driving. With just a year left in his post at the district hospital in Nong Bua Daeng district of Chaiyaphum province, this retirement plan took a detour following a one-way ticket to controversy on Wednesday night.
The incident saw Dr. Phuttha steering a Public Health Ministry vehicle into a roadside shop in Muang district. The clumsy maneuver left two television cameramen nursing injuries: Aes Eiampha, a 33-year-old from Amarin TV, and Thossawat Inpook, a 35-year-old from Thairath TV.
Dr. Phuttha stubbornly refused to take a breathalyzer test for an astonishing three hours post-incident. Upon finally submitting to the test, the results were astounding: an alcohol level of 119 milligrammes per 100 millilitres - far surpassing the legal limit of 50.
As his retirement plan awaits ministry endorsement, the early exit would guarantee him allstate retirement benefits if given the green light. However, his future benefits hang in the balance amidst an ongoing disciplinary probe by the ministry and potential legal repercussions.
Police at Muang police station have yet to press charges against the embattled doctor, citing the need for a blood test result from Chaiyaphum Hospital and medical reports of the injured men. For now, Dr. Phuttha has been transferred to work at Chaiyaphum's Provincial Public Health Office.
The authorities are currently brokering peace between the hospital chief and the two injured TV crew members, with the next meeting set for May 15. Dr. Phuttha's refusal to meet the 300,000 baht compensation demand from Thossawat of Thairath TV, however, indicates a potential standoff in the negotiations.
Insights:
Recent developments in the case of Dr. Phuttha Samadchai's drink-driving incident include: - Resignation and compensation issues: Dr. Phuttha resigned from his position as director of Nong Bua Daeng Hospital but failed to reach a compensation agreement with the victims injured in the crash[2]. - Legal and disciplinary actions: Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin confirmed that criminal charges for drunk driving are being pursued, alongside a disciplinary inquiry. A blood test revealed an alcohol level of 119mg/100ml (exceeding Thailand's 50mg limit)[3][2]. - Accident details: On April 30, 2025, Dr. Phuttha’s car swerved onto a footpath in Muang district, crashing into a food shop and injuring two TV crew members. Witnesses reported he refused an initial breathalyzer test for three hours and allegedly made threats at the scene[1][3][2]. - Ongoing investigations: Authorities are gathering evidence, including witness accounts placing Dr. Phuttha at a pub-style restaurant prior to the crash[3].
- The drink-driving incident involving Dr. Phuttha Samadchai, the former director of Nong Bua Daeng Hospital, has led to a ongoing disciplinary probe by the Public Health Ministry, as well as potential legal repercussions.
- In the incident, two television cameramen, Aes Eiampha and Thossawat Inpook, were injured and Dr. Phuttha's alcohol level was later found to be 119 milligrams per 100 millilitres, far surpassing the legal limit of 50.
- Amidst this scandal, Dr. Phuttha's retirement plan is pending ministry endorsement and his future retirement benefits are uncertain due to the ongoing investigation.
- As part of the negotiations, Dr. Phuttha has been transferred to work at Chaiyaphum's Provincial Public Health Office, but he has yet to meet the 300,000 baht compensation demand from Thossawat of Thairath TV.
- This case of alleged drink-driving and its aftermath, which is currently a topic of general news and health-and-wellness discussions, also falls under the category of crime-and-justice.
