But you relayed it in response to my question: Are you certain he had all of the insurance info on him at the time he arrived? Do you think it is unreasonable to think that is an attempt to answer the question?
Keep in mind that I asked that question because you said: The guy has comprehensive insurance - which makes the hospital's request for an 'up front' payment even poorer business practice..

Yes, it does appear that way. We really don't know if the policy info was available at the first hospital or not and if they had it by the time he arrived at the second.

well when i had a heart attack they took me to khon kean heart hospital, payment was not even discussed untill 2 days after the op. then they said not to worry pay when you have it. i think their main concern was saving my life. the problem with private hospitals is exactly that, their private and they have absoulutely no reason to make you better, keep you alive but sick is how they cash in. several freinds with heart conditions have gone into these hotel hospitals with heart problems, and several have not made it out alive. personaly i prefer to go to a hospital with specialist cardiac care facilities . my operation was done within 1 hour of arriving, privately they might have tried to keep me alive in a bed for a few days first... why cure you, theres no profit in it.

I agree that they shouldn't ask in an emergency. Not only due to needing urgent help but it is also upsetting--especially if you don't have insurance

If they treat you on a credit basis they have every reason to cure you, or at least get you well enough to go and get the money

I haven't read through all of these posts, but does anyone know for certain what hospital refused treatment and if he went to the government hospital before getting treatment at the private hospital, as per the article?

i would like to suggest to address this issue (first cash deposit then treatment) to the udon expat club to clarify it ... but i'm not a member there.
maybe someone else could pass it on to them?

[quote="BigRick808
I haven't read through all of these posts, but does anyone know for certain what hospital refused treatment, as per the article?[/quote]

Not very hard to guess which hospital, if you have spent any length of time here. If my shared assumption is correct, the guilty hospital's commercial clout will ensure that it's identity will remain unrevealed here.

BigRick808 wrote:But you relayed it in response to my question: Are you certain he had all of the insurance info on him at the time he arrived? Do you think it is unreasonable to think that is an attempt to answer the question?
Keep in mind that I asked that question because you said: The guy has comprehensive insurance - which makes the hospital's request for an 'up front' payment even poorer business practice..

Yes, it does appear that way. We really don't know if the policy info was available at the first hospital or not and if they had it by the time he arrived at the second.

The following information is collated from posts on two forums and news articles and it appears that Mr. Peter (victim) was initially taken to to Udon Hospital (Gov) where he was stabilized, but no further treatment given unless a deposit was made. Peter's friend then checked out Peter and assisted in getting him to AEK Udon, AEK was either unwilling to accept or for whatever other reason denied Peter's insurance and wanted a 200k deposit. Peter, with his friend assistance once again transferred Peter to Bangkok hosp. Bangkok H. then made liaison with Peter's insurance and confirmed and accepted and medical treatment was provided...and yes, he's apparently he's fully covered.

I'm glad one person has a bit of reading comprehension. NO hospital refused life saving service.

I'm also reading, said patient and friend weren't thrilled with service after 'stabilized' at gov't, and left. Next wanted some money up front. Actually, a private for profit facility, so almost understandable, for what ever reason.

Customer friendly BBK Hosp, accommodated said patient. 'John' is very customer friendly, as I had surgery there when Paolo Hosp, and enjoyed my short stay.

No real drama here......

........... just a heads up, IF you think you have good insurance coverage, if you think they will be there when you need them, if you think everyone will accept it. AND.......why I hate and have no insurance coverage. Unless having major health issues, simply isn't worth the premiums. IMHO

Now one can only hope, the insurance co. will pursue a civil case against the little scumbag's parents for restitution.

I thought I read somewhere that the "gang" ranging from 13-17 along with some female squeezes were shacking up somewhere.. So, trying to get any compensation or "blood" money probably would be nigh impossible. Even if the families were willing to front some cash in compensation, I don't think any of these little delinquents were of the "do you know who my daddy is?" class....

mathusalah80 wrote:[quote="BigRick808
I haven't read through all of these posts, but does anyone know for certain what hospital refused treatment, as per the article?

Not very hard to guess which hospital, if you have spent any length of time here. If my shared assumption is correct, the guilty hospital's commercial clout will ensure that it's identity will remain unrevealed here. [/quote]

I'm sure it is very easy to guess It may very well be the suspected hospital, but guesses are just that and are often wrong.

The identity will be revealed when the victim tells others. I'm sure it won't take long to get around where gossip is so prolific.

papaguido: thanks.

I stopped by Bangkok Hospital today to yak with the staff about emergencies:

A few tidbits: As others have mentioned, you can (it is advisable) to preregister with the hospital of your choice. At Bangkok Hospital (and I believe AEK), they'll give you a member card. Carry it in your wallet where it can be easily seen. Be sure your spouse/gf/emergency contact knows of your choice for a hospital.

You can leave a map with the staff at the hospital and they'll scan it into your records. If you live outside the ring road, the map will be handy for an ambulance crew if they're called to your house. Bangkok Hospital's emergency number is 1719......but then you have to dial 9 to get the operator. If you ask for someone who can speak English, she'll direct you to an English speaking staff. Sounds complicated........but probably better than calling for an ambulance through the 191 emergency number.

If you don't have a recognized insurance plan, Bangkok Hospital will expect payment every other day, including from TRICARE-covered (retired US military) patients.

If you don't have a recognized insurance plan or credit card, then an available stash of cash (from a local bank or mattress) would be advisable (my words).

We can bemoan the local customs for hospital care all we like, but ultimately it's a different system here. For anyone making Udon their home, it seems best to prepare for their system and prepare for the worst.

All that said.....I have to say that walking into Bangkok Hospital is so much nicer than walking into the nearby competition. Attentive staff await your entrance....they speak excellent English. Maybe it's the more open atmosphere, or the lighting, or the layout........or the cleanliness.......but I'd rate first impressions above the other private hospitals.....and way way way above what you'd find if you walked into the government/military hospital.

parrot wrote:There have been times I'm driving and see an ambulance with a faint siren and a multitude of cars that don't get out of the way........and I think, 'seconds count'. That's always concerned me.

Just back from a trip to Pattaya & Must've seen about 10 Ambulances on the drive backin Multiple Places, All had Sirens & Blue Lights operating,But Did I Notice ANY Thai drivers giving way or Getting out of the F*****G Way ??? Answer is A Great Big........NO !!!!!!

747man wrote:Just back from a trip to Pattaya & Must've seen about 10 Ambulances on the drive backin Multiple Places, All had Sirens & Blue Lights operating,But Did I Notice ANY Thai drivers giving way or Getting out of the F*****G Way ??? Answer is A Great Big........NO !!!!!!

Maybe still on-Topic as the victim of the crime was physically transported first to Government Provincial Hospital and then second to Bangkok Hospital Udon. So doubled risk of happening such a situation to him too.

It is sad to say that apparently someone from higher echelons has to become a victim of this behaviour by many Thai drivers. Because only then the country, the government, and the police will wake up and start a whole new current awareness programme and police intervention into ongoing traffic.

Lots of Thai still think, it would be karma. And let's take Bangkok as an example. If You are being transported in an ambulance over one of the bridges of Bangkok during the rushours, there is hardly a chance that you will arrive in time.
That is btw one of the reasons why there are so many private - mainly Chinese - "rescue cars". They are not prepared to transport rescued people, they are prepared to transport dead corpses.

But the people still say: Udon is much safer. And it is still a major motivation to move from Bangkok or Pattaya to Udon.

waanjai wrote:

747man wrote:Just back from a trip to Pattaya & Must've seen about 10 Ambulances on the drive backin Multiple Places, All had Sirens & Blue Lights operating,But Did I Notice ANY Thai drivers giving way or Getting out of the F*****G Way ??? Answer is A Great Big........NO !!!!!!

Maybe still on-Topic as the victim of the crime was physically transported first to Government Provincial Hospital and then second to Bangkok Hospital Udon. So doubled risk of happening such a situation to him too.

It is sad to say that apparently someone from higher echelons has to become a victim of this behaviour by many Thai drivers. Because only then the country, the government, and the police will wake up and start a whole new current awareness programme and police intervention into ongoing traffic.

Lots of Thai still think, it would be karma. And let's take Bangkok as an example. If You are being transported in an ambulance over one of the bridges of Bangkok during the rushours, there is hardly a chance that you will arrive in time.
That is btw one of the reasons why there are so many private - mainly Chinese - "rescue cars". They are not prepared to transport rescued people, they are prepared to transport dead corpses.

But the people still say: Udon is much safer. And it is still a major motivation to move from Bangkok or Pattaya to Udon.

An article from today: http://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Trends/ ... se-traffic

The Thai police don't believe in information technology that much, said Arkom...

But people have been singing that same ol' song sine 2009:
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/technol ... 03010.html

Not in any of our lifetimes.

And flocks of people are moving to the safety of Udon ??

747man wrote:

parrot wrote:There have been times I'm driving and see an ambulance with a faint siren and a multitude of cars that don't get out of the way........and I think, 'seconds count'. That's always concerned me.

Just back from a trip to Pattaya & Must've seen about 10 Ambulances on the drive backin Multiple Places, All had Sirens & Blue Lights operating,But Did I Notice ANY Thai drivers giving way or Getting out of the F*****G Way ??? Answer is A Great Big........NO !!!!!!

thats called "Thainess"

try stopping for children on the center line in a cross walk by a school after it let out and have some jackass honk his horn at you?
then as you slowly drive through the school zone, the same idiot over takes you!.......dont worry about running over the children, its called ....... Thainess

I a no way shape or form belittling what happened to the unfortunate foreign victims mentioned on this thread. Here in graphic, very graphic detail are the circumstances in the murder of a woman in the UK by two female teenage pond life retards. I've seen numerous murder victim's, but I believe, had I entered this scene I would be extremely shocked. This is currently an ongoing trial in England. What the victim went through must have been horrendous. If found guilty, as they are teenagers they won't get what they deserve. How cruel can 'human's' be sometimes.As I said this is very graphic so each individual can choose to read it or not.

http://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/sc ... li=BBoPWjQ

noosard wrote:And flocks of people are moving to the safety of Udon ??

At least in the past. Interviewing those that had moved yielded the result, that living in Udon with its 3 international hospitals and less traffic congestions would be "safer than in Pattaya".
In those times Udon did not yet have these high rising Condos from which quite a few farangs tried to fly home directly.

Back in October, I was rushed by wife to AEK Udon at 3:30AM. I was having a heart attack. I was given IV's but they couldn't stop it. they don't have cardiology there. I was left in severe pain while nurses played candy crush (no joke). FINALLY got a doctor about 5AM. She said when I can clear my bill there, and put 200,000 baht down I can be transferred to another hospital. - I needed it now -. My wife ended up having to wait till the bank opened to get the money. No lie was having a heart attack - for HOURS!

Once she paid I was transferred in ambulance to bangkok hospital and had heart surgery within minutes of arriving. (about 5 hours after I first arrived at a hospital having a heart attack).

200,000 didn't even come close to covering it. I think bill was 585,000. but I forget. But happy to survive. I thought I was going to die due to having gone to AEK. I think paid 40,000 baht to them, for the privilege of keeping my hostage while i was trying to stay alive. Years earlier I had very bad ongoing experience with their dental department too.

᧧ wrote:Back in October, I was rushed by wife to AEK Udon at 3:30AM. I was having a heart attack. I was given IV's but they couldn't stop it. they don't have cardiology there. I was left in severe pain while nurses played candy crush (no joke). FINALLY got a doctor about 5AM. She said when I can clear my bill there, and put 200,000 baht down I can be transferred to another hospital. - I needed it now -. My wife ended up having to wait till the bank opened to get the money. No lie was having a heart attack - for HOURS!

Once she paid I was transferred in ambulance to bangkok hospital and had heart surgery within minutes of arriving. (about 5 hours after I first arrived at a hospital having a heart attack).

200,000 didn't even come close to covering it. I think bill was 585,000. but I forget. But happy to survive. I thought I was going to die due to having gone to AEK. I think paid 40,000 baht to them, for the privilege of keeping my hostage while i was trying to stay alive. Years earlier I had very bad ongoing experience with their dental department too.

That about says it all then.