On December 8, a Thai man, referred to as “Bank,” shared a disturbing experience on Facebook, raising alarm over a possible intentional health threat. Bank claimed that during his commute on the MRT Purple Line between 7:30 and 7:35 AM, an unidentified passenger brushed against his arm, leaving a smear of blood on his skin. His unsettling story quickly spread across social media, prompting both concern and questions about public safety on the MRT.
Bank recounted the incident, explaining that the unknown man boarded the train at Nonthaburi Civic Center Station and accidentally, or intentionally, made contact with his arm. Upon feeling something wet, Bank was shocked to discover the substance was blood. With no tissues available, he used a bank transfer slip to wipe off the blood, though his worries were far from over.
The man responsible for the incident was described as wearing glasses, a black and white plaid shirt, and carrying a backpack. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the intentions of the individual, Bank could not shake off the fear that the act might have been deliberate, potentially exposing him to dangerous infectious diseases.
He immediately exited the train at the next stop, Ministry of Public Health Station, to wash his arm with water and alcohol-based spray. However, his anxiety persisted, prompting him to clean the area several times. His concern was not just about the visible blood, but about the possibility that it might carry viruses or other harmful pathogens, especially HIV or hepatitis, which could be transmitted through blood.
In his Facebook post, Bank noted that he might have understood the situation if the man had recently donated blood or left a hospital, as this could explain the blood on his arm. However, the lack of context or any explanation from the man left Bank questioning the intent behind the act. As a precautionary measure, Bank visited a medical clinic to undergo a blood test and began taking antiretroviral medication to minimize the risk of any potential infection.
Bank’s alarm also extended to other passengers, and he urged them to remain vigilant in such situations. “Don’t hesitate to confront suspicious individuals immediately,” he advised. “Waiting only leads to more confusion and anxiety.” Additionally, Bank reached out to MRT staff to request CCTV footage from the train, hoping to identify the person responsible for the blood smear.
By the end of his post, Bank confirmed that he had filed a police report at the Rattanathibet Police Station, and he is now waiting for the release of the train’s security camera footage to help resolve the situation.
The incident has sparked a wider conversation about personal safety and health risks on public transportation. While some commuters are sympathetic toward Bank’s concerns, others are questioning the possibility of such an event being an isolated or intentional act of malice. Regardless, the story has brought attention to the importance of awareness and caution in public spaces, especially when it comes to health-related risks.
Commuters are reminded to stay aware of their surroundings and to report any suspicious or unusual behavior to authorities immediately. In the age of heightened health concerns, public safety is a shared responsibility, and vigilance is key to protecting both oneself and others from potential harm.
