Physician Ends Professional Duties Without Reaching Settlement Regarding Compensation with Accident Victim
A late retirement is on the cards for the director of Nong Bua Daeng Hospital in Chaiyaphum, following his alleged drink-driving incident that left two television cameramen injured.
Phuttha Samadchai, who still had a year to serve at the district hospital in Nong Bua Daeng district, announced his decision to retire early due to the potential charges related to the incident. However, his early exit is subject to approval from the ministry.
The accident happened on Wednesday night when he drove a Public Health Ministry vehicle into a roadside shop in Muang district. The incident left 33-year-old Aes Eiampha from Amarin TV and 35-year-old Thossawat Inpook from Thairath TV injured.
Initially, Dr. Phuttha refused to take a breathalyzer test for three hours after the incident. Subsequent tests revealed an alcohol level of 119 milligrammes per 100 millilitres, far exceeding the legal limit of 50.
The drink-driving incident has resulted in a double whammy for Dr. Phuttha. Apart from potential criminal charges, he is also facing a disciplinary probe by the ministry that could lead to revocation of his benefits if he is found guilty.
The two injured cameramen have demanded compensation for their medical treatment and damages. Dr. Phuttha initially rejected the proposed sum of 300,000 baht. The next meeting to discuss the compensation has been scheduled for May 15, with the participation of both injured cameramen.
Police investigations are ongoing, with witnesses being called to testify and evidence being gathered. The embattled doctor has been transferred to work in Chaiyaphum's Provincial Public Health Office.
The recent incident serves as a reminder of the potential legal and disciplinary consequences that high-ranking public officials can face for traffic offenses. The case provides insight into the potential legal precedents that may be set in such instances.
- Dr. Phuttha's alleged drink-driving incident, which took place in Chaiyaphum, resulted in a breathalyzer test revealing an alcohol level of 119 milligrammes per 100 millilitres, significantly exceeding the legal limit.
- In the aftermath of the incident, the two injured cameramen from Amarin TV and Thairath TV have demanded compensation for their medical treatment and damages, with a proposed sum of 300,000 baht initially rejected by Dr. Phuttha.
- The science behind breathalyser tests plays a crucial role in determining the alcohol levels of individuals and holds significant implications for health-and-wellness, general news, crime-and-justice, and potentially setting legal precedents.
- As Dr. Phuttha faces potential criminal charges, a disciplinary probe by the ministry, and demands for compensation from the injured parties, his early retirement from Nong Bua Daeng Hospital in Chaiyaphum is subject to approval from the ministry, making his future considerably uncertain.
