The letter, addressed specifically to the Russian community, was signed by Methavee Maneesri, Head of the International Department at Vachira Phuket Hospital.
"Dear Russian Community in Phuket," it begins, "Please find the attached information from the police daily record regarding an incident [that occurred at Vachira Phuket Hospital]. It is imperative to note that the behavior described in the report is unacceptable to us. I want to emphasize that I am ready to assist and cooperate with anyone involved in medical cases, [only] provided they adhere to standard procedures and respect public laws and regulations."
Ms Methavee emphasized the importance of everyone’s cooperation for the peaceful living of all local residents and expats in Phuket.
"Healthcare services are not provided free of charge. I encourage everyone to have medical or work insurance and to strictly adhere to the waiting queue, just like Thai nationals do," she stated. “I promise to serve and provide help and advice whenever it increases your benefit in a medical case, as many patients have experienced. Yet, I urge everyone to comply with regulations to ensure a harmonious community environment.”
The letter, dated this Saturday (Apr 20), was sent to The Phuket News with a request to share the information in Novosti Phuketa, the Russian-language sister-newspaper of The Phuket News.
Attached to the letter was a copy of a Phuket City Police report confirming Ms Methavee’s complaint about a threatening incident involving a Russian patient.
According to the report and Ms Methavee’s personal account of the events, the Russian patient Sergey Chent, 48 years old, received his treatment on Thursday (Apr 17) and left without paying his bill totaling B8,380.
On Friday (Apr 19), Mr Chent returned to Vachira Phuket Hospital to see the doctors again and was asked by Ms Methavee and other hospital staff to pay the outstanding bill of B8,380.
The man refused to pay the bill and threatened the personnel, boasting acquaintance with high-ranking police officers, personal influence, and wealth.
Accompanying Mr Chen was a woman wielding a baseball bat, referred to as "Mr. Chen’s girlfriend" in the police report.
"They also brought weapons, a baseball bat, into the hospital. He displayed threatening behavior towards the officers and showed that he knew the police and caused chaos within the hospital," the police report says.
The situation was brought to order by arriving police officers from Phuket City Police Station, located some 700 meters away from Vachira Phuket Hospital.
Mr Chen was taken to Phuket City Police Station where he agreed to pay the hospital bill of B8,380. It has not been confirmed if Phuket City Police Station filed any charges against Mr Chen or the woman with the baseball bat.
Ms Methavee, in her personal police complaint, demanded Phuket City Police take legal action following Mr Chen’s and the woman’s behavior at Vachira Phuket Hospital.
Speaking to one of the The Phuket News’ editors, Ms Methavee explained that the incident was no misunderstanding, as the Russian man “wanted to scare her, behaved like mafia, claimed to have many business in Phuket and know big people.”
"I simply want to inform the Russian community that its members community should not behave like this man. Please, stay in Phuket in peace and maintain good relationships. That is the message I want to convey,” Ms Methavee said talking to The Phuket News.
The incident coincided with a visit by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to Region 8 Police Headquarters in Phuket, where he emphasized the importance of enforcing the law impartially, particularly against influential individuals from abroad who put themselves above the law.
“Do not let foreign mafia settle down in your area of responsibility and destroy the investment attractiveness of the region. Ask local officials and politicians to keep an eye on foreigners. Do not let misbehaving foreigners destroy your credibility,” PM Srettha said on Apr 19.
“Nowadays, society places more importance on the issue of foreign businesspeople coming to operate in the area illegally. Please ramp up the inspections and do your job with tourism confidence in mind. I am specifically entrusting you to deal with those ‘big people’ demonstrating mafia behavior. Don’t limit your effort to catching small fish only. The law must be enforced correctly, fairly, and strictly,” he added.
Accompanying PM Srettha on Apr 19 were Deputy Commissioner (Acting Commissioner now) of the Royal Thai Police Gen Kitirath Panphet; Assistant Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police Lt Gen Thatchai Pitanilabutr; and Commissioner of the Tourist Police Lt Gen Saksira Phueakam.
On Apr 20, Deputy Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau Gen Maj Panumath Bunyalak came to Phuket with a separate visit.