Service Interruption Explained: Suspension of Services for Cambodians at the Hospital
Sunpasitthiprasong Hospital Temporarily Suspends Non-Emergency Services for Cambodian Nationals
In response to heightened tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border, Sunpasitthiprasong Hospital, a state-run hospital in Ubon Ratchathani, has temporarily suspended certain non-emergency services for Cambodian nationals. The suspension, which took effect on July 31, 2025, and will remain in place until August 10, was announced in a memorandum issued by hospital director Dr. Monchai Wiwattanasitthiphong.
The measures include halting new non-urgent admissions of Cambodian patients (except emergencies), canceling medicine pickups on their behalf, pausing Cambodian language interpreter services, and restricting admitted Cambodian patients to specific hospital areas for security reasons. The hospital's Specialised Out-of-Hours SMC Premium Clinic has also been suspended to prioritise core medical services.
The hospital has postponed non-emergency surgeries as part of its temporary restructuring. However, it has stressed that Cambodian patients already admitted would continue to receive appropriate and non-discriminatory care. The hospital will still treat Cambodian patients in emergency cases.
Dr. Monchai Wiwattanasitthiphong explained the measures were necessary due to security risks, including an incident involving an unmanned aerial vehicle near the hospital, and transport disruptions leading to a backlog in prescriptions. The drop in Cambodian patient numbers also justified suspending interpreter services temporarily.
Criticism has arisen due to perceived discrimination and the clarity of communication. The hospital has acknowledged the impact on public trust yet reiterated its commitment to equitable care regardless of nationality while prioritising safety and operational capacity amidst the border unrest. The hospital emphasises that it continues providing emergency and necessary care to Cambodian patients and adheres to humanitarian principles while managing safety and logistical challenges.
Following public backlash, the hospital issued a clarification, stating the policy was based on humanitarian principles and public safety. The interpreter services provided by Cambodian university students have been paused due to a decline in the number of Cambodian patients.
The hospital positions itself as a vital regional healthcare center balancing humanitarian care with safety during a sensitive political and security crisis. It maintains that care remains non-discriminatory, and existing Cambodian inpatients receive full treatment with controlled access to ensure everyone's security.
References: [1] Thai PBS World [2] Bangkok Post [3] Khaosod English [4] The Nation
- Despite heightened political and security tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border, the hospital reassures Cambodian patients that they are still committed to providing appropriate and non-discriminatory care, particularly in emergency cases.
- The temporary suspension of non-emergency services for Cambodian nationals, including cancellation of some appointments and interpreter services, is part of Sunpasitthiprasong Hospital's measures to prioritize core medical services amidst war and conflicts and ensure public safety.
- Unfortunately, general news sources have reported criticism regarding the hospital's temporary policy changes, focusing on perceived discrimination and unclear communication, but the hospital stresses its adherence to humanitarian principles and maintaining health and wellness for all patients during this sensitive time.
