Safety
NIEM Investigates Private Ambulance Blocking Emergency Response
The National Institute for Emergency Medicine (NIEM) is investigating reports that a private ambulance blocked an Erawan Center emergency vehicle transporting an 83-year-old cancer patient.
According to a report by Khaosod Online on August 19, 2026, the National Institute for Emergency Medicine (NIEM) has launched an urgent investigation into an incident involving a private ambulance. The case involves an 83-year-old cancer patient who was experiencing chest pain and difficulty breathing. After a call was placed to the 1669 emergency hotline, an Erawan Center emergency vehicle was dispatched to assist.
Reports indicate that upon arrival, the Erawan team found their path blocked by a private ambulance, which allegedly demanded a 1,000-baht 'inconvenience fee' before allowing the emergency vehicle to proceed. This incident has drawn significant public criticism and prompted Minister of Public Health Phumtham Wechayachai to order an immediate inquiry.
NIEM Secretary-General Pichet Nongchang has directed officials to collaborate with the Erawan Center to verify the details of the incident, including the dispatch logs, the operational conduct of the teams involved, and the registration status of the private ambulance and its personnel. For residents and travelers, this incident highlights potential risks regarding the coordination of emergency services. While the investigation is ongoing, authorities have pledged to take strict measures to prevent such occurrences in the future. It remains to be confirmed whether the private ambulance was an authorized emergency service provider and what specific disciplinary actions will be taken against those involved.