Khon Kaen Hospital apologises after nurse gives saline to wrong patient

The Incident Unfolds at Khon Kaen Hospital

On 4 June 2026, 48-year-old Thanaphon Athiphatpaphakon waited for treatment at Khon Kaen Hospital when a nurse injected him with saline solution meant for another patient sharing the same first name.

Thanaphon had already told staff that the surname called out was not his, yet the error occurred in the nursing service at this major facility serving communities across the Northeast.

Director Leads Apology Delegation

Dr. Thanasit Praipong, director of Khon Kaen Hospital, arrived with medical executives, nurses, and the attending physician at Special Ward 298 on the fifth floor to present an apology basket directly to Thanaphon.

The team confirmed the injected fluid was only saline solution and stated that a formal fact-finding investigation had already begun under the hospital's internal procedures.

Staff Negligence Acknowledged

Dr. Thanasit stated that two patients named Thanaphon caused the identification mistake and that staff had acted negligently in the process.

He noted the incident caused immeasurable damage to the hospital's image, once regarded as one of the best in Thailand, and stressed that patient safety must remain the top priority for all executives and nurses.

Patient Shares Relief After Clarification

Thanaphon said he posted about the event as a record to ensure accountability in case he suffered harm, but after hearing the director's explanation he felt much more at ease.

He clarified he had not intended to damage the reputation of the hospital or its medical staff and expressed continued willingness to return for treatment if needed.

Lessons for Healthcare in the Northeast

The case highlights how even routine identification steps affect trust among patients who rely on Khon Kaen Hospital as a central provider for Isan communities.

Dr. Thanasit confirmed the investigation will examine whether professional standards were breached, with any disciplinary action determined by the exact details and intent behind the error.

Rebuilding Confidence in Local Services

The hospital management team has committed to using this incident to improve working procedures so that residents across Khon Kaen province can feel confident when seeking care.

By addressing the matter openly on 4 June 2026, the facility aims to restore the sense of security that draws local families to its wards.