Ratchaburi: Songkran is over, but the conflict continues as teenagers from two sub-districts returned to Ratchaburi Hospital to attack their rivals. The director insists all involved will be prosecuted.
According to Thai News Agency, a video circulating on social media shows dozens of teenagers fighting each other in Ratchaburi Hospital, causing chaos despite the presence of numerous police officers who tried to quell the disturbance. The incident occurred within Ratchaburi Hospital and the video has been widely shared.
Pol. Lt. Col. Kritsadarat Phoipaiboon, the head of the patrol unit at Muang Ratchaburi Police Station, along with patrol officers, spoke with Dr. Nikom Malithong, the director of Ratchaburi Hospital. They will hold a meeting to follow up on the case and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Initial reports indicate that the incident stemmed from a conflict between groups of teenagers from two subdistricts, Sam Ruean and Phong Sawai, at a Songkran water festival held at a market in Ratchaburi city. The event was so crowded that security personnel were unable to adequately manage the situation, leading to a stabbing incident around 10:20 PM on May 3rd. Several people were injured and hospitalized at Ratchaburi Hospital. Afterward, groups who had been celebrating at the festival returned to the hospital, where they encountered another rival group, resulting in a chase and fight that continued into the hospital, as seen in the video footage.
Dr. Nikom Malithong revealed that an investigation found bloodstains at the scene, particularly near the hospital's front door. Hospital staff have cleaned the area. Initially, no medical equipment was damaged. The incident occurred because a group of teenagers fought outside the emergency room, unable to enter as the door can only be opened from the inside. Hospital security reported that a large group of teenagers arrived at approximately 11:55 PM yesterday (May 3rd), and the incident unfolded rapidly. Police intervened promptly. Police are reviewing hospital CCTV footage to identify all those involved and will prosecute them according to the law.
Meanwhile, Ratchaburi Hospital issued a statement condemning the violent incident in the emergency room, a critical area for saving patients' lives. This act is unacceptable and constitutes a serious threat to the safety of patients, their families, and medical personnel. The hospital reiterates its firm stance against all forms of violence in medical facilities, will pursue legal action to the fullest extent, and will significantly upgrade security measures to prevent a recurrence.