Minister of Public Health Orders Investigation into Pathumwan Clinic After Influencer’s Death

Bangkok: The Minister of Public Health has directed the Department of Health Service Support to investigate a clinic in Pathumwan after a foreign influencer died following an injection into the genitals. The incident involves the sudden death of Igho "Tiny" Ubiribo, a British influencer of Nigerian descent, who passed away after receiving a penis enlargement injection at a Bangkok clinic. According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Pattana Promphat, Minister of Public Health, expressed concerns in an interview that the incident might harm the reputation and public trust in Thai medical facilities. To address these concerns and ensure fairness, he instructed Dr. Somruk Chungsaman, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, to initiate an investigation by the Department of Health Service Support (DHSS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The investigation revealed that on March 5, 2016, an emergency medical services center was contacted for an ambulance by a private hospital in the Sukhumvit area due to a patient losing consciousness. The patient's wife reported that he had received a filler injection earlier that day and sought a massage afterward. Suspecting a blood clot, the hospital attempted a high-speed CT scan with contrast dye but found the patient without a pulse. Despite CPR efforts, the patient was confirmed deceased. This prompted an investigation of the clinic on Rama 1 Road, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok, on September 7, 2026. Dr. Phuwadej Surakhot, Director-General of the DHSS, stated that DHSS officials and the FDA inspected the clinic on September 7, 2026. The clinic management revealed that the patient had been a regular since 2024 and had undergone five genital enlargement injections. The latest, on March 5, 2026, involved a 40 cc filler injection. Despite the doctor's advice to divide the procedure into two sessions, the patient insisted on a single session. The clinic provided post-operative care instructions and maintained follow-ups, with no reported issues from the patient. Consent forms were signed for each procedure. The authorities are compiling evidence to submit the case to the Medical Council for a review of professional practice standards, aiming to ensure fairness for all parties involved.