BANGKOK, THAILAND – A 37-year-old Thai businessman remained unconscious for days after cosmetic nose and chin surgery in Bangkok, while his family struggled with mounting hospital bills exceeding 2 million baht.
Operation for 480,000 baht, then lasting unconsciousness
According to relatives, the man underwent nose and chin surgery at a beauty clinic on 4 March, paying around 480,000 baht for the procedures.
The clinic was described as well known in the industry and promoted with celebrity endorsements, leading the family to believe it was a reputable provider.
The family later turned to the Facebook consumer page “สายไหมต้à¸à¸‡à¸£à¸à¸”” to seek help, reporting that he had not woken up since the operation and that treatment costs had already exceeded 2 million baht.
Night-time complications and emergency hospital transfer
Relatives said the patient did not regain consciousness after the procedure and that staff at the clinic spoke later that night of serious complications.
Symptoms reportedly included a markedly rapid heartbeat and elevated carbon dioxide levels in the body, after which the man was transferred to a hospital for emergency treatment.
The family stated that they were not given a clear explanation of what had happened during the post-operative period at the clinic.
Doctors report fever, fixed pupils and ventilation
At the hospital, the patient remained unresponsive, with fixed pupils and a high fever, according to the family.
He required a tracheotomy and was placed on a ventilator, while examinations pointed to possible heart muscle damage and acute kidney failure.
Due to the suspected kidney problems, he had to undergo dialysis, further adding to the rising treatment costs.
Cause unclear, surgery or anesthesia under scrutiny
More than a week after the operation, the man was still unconscious and at risk of a prolonged coma, the relatives said.
Specialists had not yet been able to determine the exact cause of the complications, and it remained open whether they were linked to the procedure itself or to the general anesthesia.
The family reported that doctors were continuing investigations while focusing on stabilising the patient’s condition.
Family criticises clinic’s unclear stance on responsibility
According to the relatives, the clinic had so far not taken a clear position on responsibility and had only stated that it was examining the case.
The provider had hinted it might be able to cover part of the additional costs, but there had been no binding commitment yet.
“We still do not know who will take responsibility for what happened and how the long-term care will be managed.”
said a family representative, according to the account shared on the consumer page.
Escalating costs and request for transfer to public system
As hospital expenses had already exceeded 2 million baht, the family wanted the patient transferred to a local hospital covered by Thailand’s universal health coverage scheme.
They stressed that the man was the main breadwinner, responsible for both the household and the family business, and that they therefore needed support with the additional treatment costs while the cause of the incident was still under investigation.
“His recovery is our priority, but we cannot cope with these costs on our own for much longer.”
said a relative, urging assistance through the consumer network.
Authorities investigate as consumer advocates involve ministry
Supporters of the Facebook consumer page said they were cooperating with the Department of Health Service Support at the Ministry of Public Health to review the incident.
They stated that the review would also look at the patient’s current condition and whether the complications were related to the clinic’s procedures.
“We are working with the ministry to clarify what happened and to ensure that the clinic’s practices are thoroughly examined.”
said representatives of the consumer group involved in the case.