Due to clashes around Sala Daeng intersection, Chulalongkorn Hospital yesterday evacuated all the patients admitted at its Sor Kor building, which is close to the rally site, to buildings that are farther away.
In addition, the government’s measure to cut off power and water supplies around the Rajprasong intersection area has also affected the hospital’s operations. Meanwhile, the blockade of roads in the area was also obstructing patients and medical workers from coming to the hospital.
Due to worries about the safety of patients, their relatives and medical staff, the hospital has decided to close its outpatient unit and the special night clinic until Sunday, as well as to cancel classes for medical students.
Meanwhile, the Erawan Emergency Medical Services reported that 20 people were injured during the Sala Daeng clashes, including Seh Daeng, who suffered a gunshot wound to his head. Chartchai Bualao, a 25-year-old man, was killed during the incident on Thursday night.
To date, 26 of the people injured during the April 10 bloody clashes, three hurt in a bomb blast at Sala Daeng intersection on April 22 and one injured at the April 28 clash at National Memorial are still in hospital. Two patients injured in a clash at Sala Daeng Intersection on April 7 and four people injured from an explosion on Rama 4 road on May 8 were also receiving treatment in hospital.
Public Health Minister Jurin Laksanawisit has instructed all hospitals in Bangkok and nearby provinces to be ready round the clock to provide emergency treatment.
Meanwhile, the 21 protesters who had fallen ill from drinking coffee handed out by an alleged reporter early yesterday morning had been admitted into Lerdsin Hospital. Jurin has asked the hospital to treat these patients well and has also asked the Department of Medical Science Service to test the ingredients of the coffee to see if any toxins had been mixed in. Results should be ready in three days.
He said most of the people who had drunk the coffee had developed symptoms such as vomiting, fatigue, breathing problems and blurry eyesight. Three of the affected have already been discharged from hospital, while the remaining 18 were still being treated.