Thief Cuts Hospital Generator Cables, Endangering Ventilator Patients
A thief cut five main power cables at Chonburi Hospital's generator room on November 10, disabling backup electricity for wards housing hundreds of ventilator-dependent patients. The suspect fled when discovered but was arrested by police within hours. Authorities warn the stolen wire's scrap value pales against the potential loss of life had the generators failed during a power outage.
On November 11, 2026, media reported that Chonburi Hospital disclosed an incident from the previous day at approximately 2:30 PM. An intruder sneaked into the hospital's generator room and cut electrical cables. The suspect fled without taking anything, but left significant damage. Hospital staff inspected the area after noticing abnormalities and found the intruder had escaped through a window. Investigation revealed five main cables on the generator had been severed, which would prevent the generator from supplying emergency power to critical buildings — including the surgical, Chalathit, Chalathan, and COM Center buildings — where hundreds of patients rely on ventilators. A power outage combined with generator failure would have caused a major crisis. Repair costs are estimated at 300,000 baht. By approximately 6:00 PM, Muang Chonburi Provincial Police Station had apprehended the suspect. Thanks go to Pol. Lt. Col. Somchai Tiwongsa, Superintendent of Muang Chonburi Police Station, for immediately dispatching investigators and swiftly arresting the perpetrator. While the assessed monetary damage may not seem high, the resale value of the stolen wire is minuscule compared to the potential harm to patients who could not survive without these generators, let alone the risk to human lives.
