Sixty-two students from Theeparatpittaya School on Koh Samui required medical attention after experiencing food poisoning during a scout camp. The incident occurred on January 24, as students began suffering severe abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and vomiting after consuming boxed meals.
Emergency responders, including ambulances from Koh Samui Hospital, Samui Wattana Hospital, Bandon International Hospital, and Bangkok Samui Hospital, were dispatched in coordination with local rescue organisations. Medical teams treated the affected students on-site at the school’s football field before transporting 50 to Koh Samui Hospital, seven to Samui Wattana Hospital, and five to Bandon International Hospital for further care.
Among the cases, one student presented with severe symptoms requiring hospitalisation, while 18 students with moderate symptoms received intravenous fluids. The remaining 43, who experienced milder symptoms, were advised to recover at home using prescribed medications.
The scout camp, held from January 22 to 24, involved 409 students. Meals were prepared by hired cooks, though some students also participated in cooking activities. A male student reported symptoms after eating a boxed lunch and chicken porridge the night before. Initial signs of food poisoning emerged early on January 24, with symptoms intensifying by morning.
Dr Nathakorn Damchaom, principal of Theeparatpittaya School, noted that the school’s medical staff conducted preliminary assessments the previous night but found symptoms manageable. However, the situation escalated by morning, prompting urgent intervention. The school is awaiting results from medical tests to identify the cause of the outbreak.
Parents of affected students, like Sanun Seedakaew, expressed alarm upon learning about the incident. However, reassurances came as children began recovering. “I was initially panicked, but hearing my daughter’s voice confirming her recovery was a relief,” Sanun shared.
Dr Songyot Chayaninpromet, deputy director of Koh Samui Hospital, emphasised the hospital’s efforts to manage the cases and stabilise emergency patients. Investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the outbreak and implement measures to prevent recurrence.
