The condition of a security guard rammed by a car driven by a senior public health official continues to improve, Sakol Sukprom, deputy director of Pranangklao Hospital, said yesterday.
He said Mr Somchai Yamdee's blood pressure had normalised and his fever had abated.
These improvements suggested that his lung inflammation was under control, Dr Sakol said.
Dr Sakol said the patient now was able to lift his left arm while his brain showed no signs of permanent damage.
Mr Somchai was responding well to medication.
However, he continued to suffer from cluster headaches and a degree of confusion. Currently the patient was still having difficulty consuming soft foods such as boiled rice, so would be required to stay in the intensive care unit for at least another day.
However, it could take Mr Somchai six months to a year for his body to fully recover from the mishap, the doctor said.
Dr Sakol said the man accused of hitting him in his vehicle, Dr Yorn Chiranakhon, regularly visited the patient and asked for updates on his condition.
Dr Yorn, a senior official from Health Centre Region 12 overseeing the South, is accused of being intoxicated when, on Nov 10, he allegedly rammed his car into Mr Somchai, a 22-year-old security guard who was closing the gate at the Public Health Ministry in Nonthaburi about 8.10pm.
Following the crash, Mr Somchai was dragged under the vehicle for about 20 metres.
He was rushed to Pranangklao Hospital where he underwent brain surgery and is recovering from the injuries.
Dr Yorn refused to undergo an alcohol test after the incident. Witnesses say he was drinking before he hit the guard.
He also denied all charges against him including reckless driving causing grave danger and serious property damage to others; driving under the influence; defying orders by traffic police (when Dr Yorn refused to undergo a breathalyser test), attempted murder and failing to stop a vehicle to help an injured victim and notify police after the crash.
The doctor was later transferred to an inactive post so an inquiry could be carried out.
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