Hospital Denies Approving Supercar Parking as Row Erupts

Phetchabun Hospital has denied approving parking for nearly ten supercars that lined its front entrance, stating that security staff warned the owners it was a no-parking zone, but they ignored the warnings. On September 24, photos circulated on social media showing multiple luxury sports cars and high-end vehicles parked in rows near the hospital building, triggering widespread criticism and questions online.

Public complaints highlighted that visitors bringing sick relatives were unable to park in certain areas after security staff indicated those spots were reserved. Many had to circle the hospital four or five times searching for a space, and if unsuccessful, park outside and walk, causing particular hardship for elderly visitors, patients, and caregivers. Some questioned why luxury vehicles could occupy restricted areas while ordinary cars were prohibited, raising concerns about the criteria for parking area designation and whether spaces were allocated fairly across vehicle types.

The supercar group was reportedly visiting a friend injured in a two-vehicle rollover accident while returning from Phu Thap Boek on the Ban Nam Kaeo–Na Kho Road in Lom Kao District on September 22, which left three people injured. Doctor Kobchai Jirchanya, director of Phetchabun Hospital, held a press conference to address the incident. He confirmed that one injured patient from the accident was transferred to the hospital and remained in the ICU. The supercar group arrived around 11:30 a.m. on September 23 and parked in front of the emergency building despite security warnings.

The hospital director emphasized that no authorization was given for the parking and security had explicitly warned the group, who chose not to comply. He stated the hospital could not lock wheels or take other action, treating the visitors the same as any other patients, with no special privileges or VIP treatment. The hospital said it would review parking prevention measures to prevent similar incidents.

Dr. Kobchai also noted that Phetchabun Hospital faces chronic parking shortages due to high visitor numbers, with incidents of double parking and unauthorized parking common. When staff announce requests to move vehicles, visitors often refuse to comply, and staff sometimes announce that another vehicle has been hit, though when the owner arrives, there is often no actual damage, leading visitors to criticize staff for causing unnecessary alarm.