Provincial Health Department Disputes Thai Media Report on Death of Thai Man

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Oct.08, 2025) — The Banteay Meanchey Provincial Health Department on Wednesday denied reports from Thai media and social networks alleging that a Thai man died after being refused medical treatment in Cambodia.

The reports, including one by Khaosod English, claimed that Methachan Yoseng, a 24-year-old chef from Thailand’s Nakhon Si Thammarat province, died after being turned away from a hospital due to a lack of money or identification.

Cambodian officials said the claims were inaccurate. According to a forensic examination, Yoseng died of heart failure and had not sought treatment at any medical facility in the country.

Authorities said his body was found outside an abandoned building in Poipet, near the Thai border, and not at or near a hospital. They added that Yoseng had entered Cambodia illegally and was not carrying identification. He was later identified through coordination with Thai border officials.

The Health Ministry said Cambodian hospitals are required to provide emergency care to all patients regardless of nationality, race, religion or financial status. Since June, despite the closure of the Poipet border on the Thai side, Cambodian hospitals have treated 31 Thai nationals, officials said.

Foreign patients receive comprehensive care, including hygiene support, clothing, food and psychological assistance, even when lacking documentation or family support, the ministry said.

Officials called on Khaosod English to issue a correction or remove the report, saying the misinformation undermines the reputation of Cambodian medical professionals and could mislead the public.