Boy, 4, critical after stone=throwing crash

The hospital received five patients from the same incident from Chao Phraya Yommarat Hospital after they were taken into Her Majesty the Queen's patronage, said hospital director Dr Adisorn Patradul.

They were Surachai Sawatdee, 36, Surarak Eiumyang, 34, Natthapol Sawatdee, 4, Sujira Sawatdee, 1, and Petcharat Srisuk, 10.

Natthapol remains the most critical patient. Intensive care unit X-rays revealed swelling in the brain - although with less internal bleeding - and fractured facial and skull base bones, Adisorn said. The boy's condition will be closely monitored for another week before planned surgery.

Natthapol could open his eyes and respond to stimulation, but the boy could not yet follow instruction and must remain linked to respiratory aids, Adisorn said.

The other patients were not in the ICU. Surachai suffered broken facial bones and a non-critical wound to his left eye's retina; Surarak a broken right arm; Rujira some bruises under her left eye and still appears traumatised; and Petcharat suffered three wounds to her forehead.

The stone throwing, which also resulted in the death of Surachai's mother-in-law, was on the local police's urgent investigation list. It was announced yesterday an award of Bt50,000 would be given for information leading to the wrongdoers' arrest.