Health
Elderly Couple Stranded at Buriram Hospital After Running Out of Funds
An elderly couple from Sa Kaeo was found sleeping outside Nang Rong Hospital for two nights after exhausting their funds while seeking medical treatment.
On August 20, 2026, highway police rescue workers in Buriram province provided assistance to an elderly couple, 68-year-old Mrs. Tueang and 74-year-old Mr. Ruji, who were found stranded outside Building 4 of Nang Rong Hospital. According to a report by Khaosod Online, the couple had traveled from Sa Kaeo province to attend a scheduled medical appointment for Mr. Ruji, who suffers from chronic conditions including heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and asthma.
Having arrived on August 17, the couple exhausted their travel funds and were left with only 25 baht. They spent two nights sleeping in front of the hospital, surviving on a single bag of sticky rice shared between them while waiting for their children to send money. Local residents, moved by their situation, provided the couple with food, fruit, and a donation of 600 baht before the rescue team assisted them with transportation back home.
For residents and travelers, this incident highlights the vulnerability of elderly patients navigating the public healthcare system across provincial lines. While the couple received community support, the situation underscores the importance of ensuring adequate financial planning and support networks for those traveling long distances for medical care. It remains to be confirmed whether the couple has established a more sustainable plan for future medical appointments.