Terminally ill patient in Sisaket denied aid over signature issue

A terminally ill liver cancer patient in Sisaket province is unable to withdraw government aid due to a signature mismatch on an authorisation form, despite desperate pleas from his family.

Yesterday, September 30, reporters received a tip-off from residents in Ban Phianam, Nong Phai subdistrict, Mueang district. They reported that a terminal liver cancer patient, entitled to receive 10,000 baht (US$310) under a government scheme, was unable to collect the money due to poor health.

The patient, 67 year old Chalermchai, authorised his daughter to withdraw the funds on his behalf. However, the bank refused the transaction, citing a discrepancy in his signature.

Upon visiting the area, reporters found Chalermchai bedridden, frail, and unable to communicate. His wife, 65 year old Saow, and hearing-impaired, along with their daughter, 36 year old Uraiwan, were his primary caregivers.

Uraiwan displayed several documents proving her father’s eligibility for the 10,000 baht under the government scheme. The documents included clear signatures from Chalermchai authorising her to withdraw the money. Nevertheless, the bank insisted that the signatures did not match his current signature, thus refusing the withdrawal.

Uraiwan explained that her father had been suffering from chronic illness for over a year. When he was healthier, he was a vital support for the family, making and selling floral garlands. However, about two months ago, he was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer, and doctors informed the family that he did not have long to live.

Government aid

“When my father was healthy, he was always asking when the government would distribute the 10,000 baht. Finally, on September 27, the money was deposited into his account. But now, he’s too ill to go to the bank, so he signed the authorisation form for me to withdraw it. Yet, the bank refused, saying the signatures didn’t match.”

The bank provided a new form for Chalermchai to sign but his deteriorating condition makes it nearly impossible for him to sit up or walk, leaving him confined to bed. Uraiwan is at a loss on how to proceed, contemplating the idea of gathering relatives to carry her father to the bank to sign the document in person. However, she worries that the ordeal might be too much for him, potentially causing him to die.

Chalermchai’s previous income from selling floral garlands was modest, fluctuating between hundreds and a few thousand baht, depending on the season. The 10,000 baht from the government would be the first substantial amount of money he has ever had the chance to hold. Uraiwan hopes to use this money to provide the best possible care for her father in his final days, reported KhaoSod.

“I hope the relevant officials can assist us in this matter. This money could make a significant difference in my father’s remaining time with us.”