Burn Victim Communicates Again as Wife Pleads for Bar Owner's Support
A 32-year-old sound engineer from Nakhon Phanom with 60% burns from a bar fire is now communicating at Lopburi Hospital, but his wife pleads for the bar owner to provide support after the business has ignored them completely.
On July 18, 2025, at Phranangklao Hospital in Lopburi, Deputy Hospital Director Dr. Worawat Kaewwichian and Dr. Sakorn Nanthapakaporn, a plastic surgery specialist, revealed the condition of Benz Thipmonee, a 32-year-old sound engineer from Nakhon Phanom who worked at a beer bar in the Ladprao area. He was one of the injured from the fire, having been transferred from Paolo Hospital and treated under the gold card health insurance scheme. With 60 percent of his body burned, he is receiving treatment in the ICU.
Dr. Worawat explained that Phranangklao Hospital has equipment and facilities equivalent to those in Bangkok hospitals. Transferring patients to Lopburi for treatment was a wise decision to avoid concentrating too many severely injured patients in one facility, which would overwhelm medical resources and personnel. Psychiatric support has also been arranged for family members. The injured patient can now communicate and respond to questions from doctors. Medical expenses are covered entirely by the gold card scheme.
Dr. Sakorn stated that close monitoring is ongoing, with burn care materials supported by the Red Cross. He asked the family to have confidence in the hospital's capabilities and coordination with central medical teams. The patient remains in critical condition, with doctors providing their best efforts. The burns affected the patient's airway, necessitating a breathing tube with nutritional support, alongside wound care to prevent infection.
Meanwhile, Prapakarn, 31, the patient's wife, tearfully shared that she is somewhat relieved by the good care. Her husband is showing signs of response and can communicate. His kidney function has improved and he can urinate on his own, though bowel management still requires medical care. He is the only infection-free patient in the ward, and she is allowed to visit both morning and evening to give him strength. Her husband responds with his eyes, which clearly show his relief.
"My husband worked at the beer bar for more than three years as a trusted sound engineer. After the accident, I tried contacting the bar owners multiple times through their page, but never received a single reply—no lawyers, no staff, or partners asked about his condition, treatment location, or compensation. They abandoned us completely. I had to quit my job to care for my husband and our two children, ages 7-8, and rent a temporary home to save money."
Prapakarn also shared a glimmer of hope: "Foundation for Good Deeds," led by Bumpen Pannadda Wongphudee and Khot, donated diapers and provided an initial assistance of 20,000 baht for accommodation, food, and other expenses during her husband's treatment in Lopburi. She expressed gratitude to rescue workers, Paolo Hospital, and Phranangklao Hospital for their excellent care.
"I want to appeal to the beer bar to show kindness to those who lost everything. My husband provided great value when he worked there. When misfortune strikes, they should care for us too. Don't abandon us to face this alone."
