Nonthaburi: A rescue volunteer shared his experience of a black sedan blocking his path as he rushed to pick up an 82-year-old female patient who had fainted. The incident took place in a village on Soi Tiwanon Pakkret 27, despite the ambulance's siren and loudspeaker announcements for passage being ignored by the sedan's driver. A legal expert highlighted that such actions could be considered a criminal offense.
According to Thai News Agency, volunteers from the Ruam Katanyu Foundation, Nonthaburi branch, received an emergency call on March 2nd at 6:54 PM from the Phra Nang Klao Hospital emergency medical services center. They were notified about an elderly patient in critical condition and unconscious in a village on Tiwanon-Pak Kret Soi 27. Due to a lack of available ambulances in the Pak Kret area, the team set off from the Tiwanon intersection to assist.
As the ambulance approached the Pak Kret intersection, a black sedan maneuvered from the left lane to the right lane, blocking its path. A pickup truck had moved aside to allow the ambulance to pass, but the sedan then obstructed the ambulance. Despite activating lights and sirens and using a loudspeaker to request passage, the sedan initially appeared to comply but then abruptly braked, further blocking the ambulance's lane change.
Legal experts have noted that such behavior could have serious legal repercussions. The president of the Foundation for Social Justice Advocacy explained that under Section 76 of the Land Traffic Act, drivers must yield to emergency vehicles with flashing lights or sirens. Failure to do so can result in a fine of up to 500 baht. However, if blocking an ambulance leads to the death of a patient, the driver could face criminal charges, ranging from negligent to intentional homicide, depending on the circumstances.