Bangkok Hospital helps 19-year-old ICU patient vote in Thai election
The Thai election has dominated headlines as people are wrapping their heads around a surprising result as well as which parties will form a coalition government.
One touching moment from election day on 14th May was when a 19-year-old ICU patient went to vote for the first time with the help of Bangkok Hospital Chanthaburi. Here’s the wholesome story of a young man exercising his important right to vote.
An unmissable election for Thailand
Image credit: mgronline
To say that the 2023 election is pivotal for Thailand would be an understatement. The biggest surprise result thus far is newcomers Move Forward Party almost sweeping all Bangkok districts. People are keeping a close eye on developments as parties move to negotiate for a coalition government.
But these results would not be possible without stories like that of 19-year-old Boom. The young Chantaburi resident went to vote in the Thai election on Sunday despite being admitted in the ICU.
Boom was in the ICU for severe allergic reactions, but couldn’t help but worry about not being able to vote.
The hospital lends a hand
Image credit: mgronline
To make sure Boom had a convenient and safe time at the election booth, the hospital sent him in an ambulance with EMTs escorting him.
According to Bangkok Hospital Chanthaburi’s director, the hospital will lend a hand to any patient who wishes to exercise their right to vote free of charge. As long as the patient isn’t in critical condition, of course.
The importance of voting
All eyes are on political leaders and how they’ll shape Thailand with the votes they got. But it’s important to remember that their opportunities are built upon stories like Boom’s.
Without individual voters going out and participating, the big changes we want in our country will remain as only possibilities.
For some fun light reading, check out this clever Thai man who ordered his food via an app while eating in person. You can also enjoy fun stories about how communal Thais are, like how Thai students pass along a notebook of dead mosquitoes or how a dad surprised his daughter by inviting the whole village over for dinner.
Cover image adapted from: mgronline