In a deeply troubling incident, a 30-year-old woman named May, working at an electronics plant in Thailand, tragically died after her manager reportedly refused her request for sick leave. The incident, reported by Bangkok Post, has sparked widespread concern about workplace conditions and the responsibility of employers towards employee well-being.
May, employed by Delta Electronics in Sukhothai, Thailand, had been battling an inflamed large intestine and was initially granted sick leave from September 5 to 9. Her friend, speaking to the Bangkok Post, said May had submitted a medical certificate and was hospitalized for four days. However, her condition did not improve after her discharge, leading her to request two more days off. On September 12, May’s health worsened, prompting her to seek additional sick leave. Sadly, her manager denied her request, demanding another medical certificate before granting any further leave.
Fearful of losing her job, May reluctantly returned to work on September 13. However, just 20 minutes after starting her shift, she collapsed. May was rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery, but unfortunately passed away the following day.
Delta Electronics publicly expressed their condolences in a Facebook post, stating their commitment to supporting May’s family during this difficult time. The company also announced a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death, vowing transparency and accountability throughout the process.
Victor Cheng, CEO of Delta Electronics (Thailand) PCL, emphasized the company’s focus on employee well-being, stating, “At Delta Electronics, our people are the foundation of our success, and we are devastated by this loss. Our priority is to provide unwavering support to the employee’s family at this trying time.”
The company’s statement further acknowledged the ongoing investigation and requested public patience and understanding while respecting the privacy of May’s family during this sensitive period. This tragic event has brought to light the crucial importance of workplace safety and the need for employers to prioritize employee health and wellbeing, especially during periods of illness. It remains to be seen what the investigation will reveal and what steps Delta Electronics will take to ensure such incidents are prevented in the future.
