Dr Somboon Boonkittiyapong, Deputy Director Health Management at Krabi Hospital, told The Phuket News that the man, 72 years old, was suffering from ischemic heart disease (IHD).
“We don’t blame the situation on Saturday night. The traffic jam [caused by the riots] did not contribute to the man’s death; he already had a life-threatening heart condition,” Dr Somboon said.
The man was being transported from Krabi Hospital to Bangkok Hospital Phuket when he suffered a heart attack en route, Dr Somboon explained.
Ambulance workers administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) until they reached Thalang Hospital, the nearest medical facility.
“They managed to revive him using defibrillators and stabilise him enough to transport him to Bangkok Hospital. He was alive when he arrived at Bangkok Hospital Phuket, but sadly he died while doctors were operating to save his life,” said Dr Somboon.
“We did the best we could, but he died from complications while under operation for his very serious heart condition.
“The situation in Thalang had nothing to do with the man’s death, though I hope that the situation is resolved and everything in Phuket is back to normal soon,” he added.