KANCHANABURI: A Karen woman suffering pregnancy complications was safely airlifted to hospital in heavy rain from a remote village near a wildlife sanctuary in Sangkhla Buri district.
Local health officials in tambon Lai Wo told Sangkhla Buri Hospital on Wednesday morning that Mue Mue, 33, who is about 31 weeks pregnant, was suffering acute headaches, blurred vision, high blood pressure and swelling.
They feared her symptoms might lead to convulsions that would pose a threat to her child if she was not given immediate treatment.
Sangkhla Buri hospital director Chaiwat Phetphanngam contacted district chief Pakorn Kanwalee, who sought help from Surasee army camp.
Mr Pakorn said the village was more than 12 hours travel by foot from the hospital and it was raining heavily.
He asked the army to send a helicopter to bring Mue Mue out so she could get help as soon as possible.
The rain was pouring down and the helicopter pilot was forced to land in neighbouring Thong Pha Phum district about noon.
The pilot remained on the ground until the rain eased off a little and visibility improved about 3.30pm, when he was able to lift off, with medical personnel onboard, and head for the remote village. (continues below)
A pregnant woman is taken from the helicopter to Sangkhla Buri Hospital ambulance. (Photo by Piyarat Chongcharoen)
The army helicopter arrived at the village about 4.20pm, and the ailing woman was quickly taken on board and flown in continuing rain to the district hospital.
A source said doctors later reported that Mue Mue's pregnancy was normal, however she still had high blood pressure and swelling.
She was transferred to Thong Pha Phum Hospital for further treatment.