Medical Council Investigates Doctor's Verbal Abuse of Patient

The Medical Council is preparing to investigate a doctor accused of verbally abusing and demeaning a patient, particularly one using the 30-baht state healthcare scheme, and dismissing the quality of treatments provided. The council emphasizes that communication is a core part of medical care and stresses that all patients, regardless of which healthcare benefit they use, deserve equal human dignity.

On September 3, 2026, Ittiporn Kunachearn, Secretary-General of the Medical Council, posted on Facebook addressing the case, stating "Communication is part of medical treatment." He noted that the news regarding communication and patient treatment at a clinic has attracted significant public attention, and expressed concern similar to that of many citizens, particularly because such incidents directly affect patients and their families emotionally.

Kunachearn explained that most patients come to doctors while ill, worried, afraid, or emotionally vulnerable, as do their relatives. Therefore, medical treatment encompasses more than just examinations, diagnoses, and medication—doctors' words, tone, demeanor, and communication all significantly affect patients' feelings, trust, and willingness to cooperate in treatment.

He cited the Medical Council's Code of Ethics for the Medical Profession (2022), which states in Article 7 that medical professionals must not engage in conduct that damages the honor of the profession, and Article 23 clearly requires that "medical professionals must practice their profession with courtesy and without coercion or intimidation."

Kunachearn acknowledged that most doctors treat patients with respect and care despite daily workload stress and pressure, and that only a small minority cause problems. He also noted that in the digital age, every word, message, chat, call, and post can leave a trace and may be used as evidence later if disputes arise.

He emphasized that the key point is not whether someone will record an interaction, but that "communication and conduct must start with oneself, by carefully managing words, emotions, and demeanor, especially during moments of anger, dissatisfaction, or conflict."

Crucially, Kunachearn stressed that all patients, regardless of which healthcare benefit they use, possess equal human dignity, and that using state healthcare benefits should never be grounds for patients to be disrespected, discriminated against, or treated in a way that diminishes their human worth.

Regarding the doctor currently in the news, the Medical Council will proceed according to its authority, based on facts, evidence, and legal procedures. If the investigation finds conduct that violates professional ethics or regulations, appropriate steps will be taken.

Kunachearn concluded by urging the medical profession to continue communicating with courtesy, respect, and dignity for one another, noting that even a few words can have a greater impact on a patient's feelings than doctors realize and can significantly affect the success of treatment.