ANG THONG, Thailand – A press conference over the death of a 5-day-old infant has plunged Ang Thong Hospital into a severe trust crisis. Director Parichat Sirawat and another doctor smiled and laughed on camera while rejecting the parents’ accusations. The hospital denies any link between an internal party in the ICU and the child’s death.
On July 21, hospital chief Parichat Sirawat and an unnamed doctor faced reporters. What happened next sparked instant public outrage. When journalists asked about possible legal action against the parents, the duo grinned and laughed briefly before answering.
Smiling and laughing in front of journalists
The hospital later insisted on Facebook that the smile lasted only a moment and was a natural reaction to listening closely to the journalists. It said it did not mean to express joy, mock the family, or disrespect the dead child.
The smile was only brief and a natural reaction while listening attentively to the journalists. We did not intend to express joy, ridicule the family, or disrespect the deceased child.
said Ang Thong Hospital, in a Facebook statement.
Party allegations on the neonatal ICU
At the heart of the conflict is the parents’ accusation: staff held a feast in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) while their baby fought for life there. Hospital management admitted a gathering took place but firmly denies any connection to the death.
Parichat Sirawat said the team cared for both the mother during pregnancy and the infant after birth according to medical standards. The staff gave their best, said the director.
History and severe complications
According to the hospital, the premature baby weighed 4,305 grams — above average for a pre-term birth. The mother suffered from diabetes, high blood pressure, and experienced premature rupture of membranes. About one hour after birth, the infant developed breathing difficulties and low blood oxygen levels.
Doctors diagnosed persistent pulmonary hypertension and suspected sepsis. The child was immediately placed in the NICU and closely monitored and treated — ultimately did not survive.
No lawsuit — but a demand for an apology
The hospital does not intend to sue the parents. However, if the internal investigation finds the staff acted correctly, it expects an apology from the parents to the medical team. The reason: employees have faced massive public criticism after the case.
Parichat Sirawat stressed the review is not yet complete. Only afterwards can it be determined whether the hospital bears any responsibility.
Father disappointed — public criticism continues
The father of the deceased child called the doctors’ behavior before the press disappointing and inappropriate given the seriousness of the situation. Social media users also fiercely condemned the appearance.
Many questioned how the hospital chief and doctor could smile during such a conference. The hospital has since faced a massive loss of trust.
Hospital vows transparent investigation
Ang Thong Hospital announced it would conduct the investigation swiftly and openly. The goal is to determine the facts quickly and ensure fairness for all involved.
The clinic said it takes the allegations seriously and wants to regain lost trust through the investigation.