Chakrit Shahabnam Opens Up About Son Phoh Battling Three Severe Illnesses

It was a harrowing ordeal for celebrity father Chakrit Shahabnam, who recently spoke out about the frightening health crisis faced by his 8-year-old son, Phoh. The young boy initially developed swollen lymph nodes, a high fever, and red eyes. After administering preliminary home care as recommended by physicians, the family swiftly rushed him to the hospital when his condition worsened.

Upon hospital admission, Phoh's condition deteriorated rapidly. Medical tests revealed a Mycoplasma infection attacking his immune system and vital organs, compounded by subsequent complications of Kawasaki disease and MIS-C (Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children). These three severe conditions launched a combined assault on his body, triggering extreme systemic inflammation.

Chakrit revealed alarming lab results showing liver enzyme levels skyrocketing from a normal cutoff of 40 to over 1,000. Meanwhile, his platelet count jumped from a normal 200,000 to 500,000, accompanied by three leaking heart valves and an enlarged main artery pumping blood from the heart, expanding from slightly over 1 millimeter to more than 3 millimeters. Medical guidelines dictate treatment within 7 to 10 days, and fortunately, lab results confirmed the correct diagnosis by day seven, allowing doctors to administer antibiotics and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) continuously for over 10 hours just in time.

During the critical 10-day window, Phoh's body temperature constantly spiked above 41 degrees Celsius. Nurses had to sponge him down every 15 to 30 minutes, causing the boy to cry out in distress. At one point, his body grew so hot that he struggled to breathe, and blood vessels in his nose ruptured from the extreme heat, causing a bloody nose right in front of his father. Chakrit had to remain calm and put on a brave face, even though he felt like dying inside.

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

"I stood there as a father, unable to do anything, and I had to remain calm and say, 'Son, it's normal because your body is hot,' but inside I felt like I was dying."

Chakrit Shahabnam

Phoh has since been discharged and has been recovering at home for about a week. Overall, his condition has improved significantly, with inflammation markers and liver enzymes dropping. The right side of his heart valve has nearly closed, while the left side and enlarged blood vessels will require monthly check-ups over the next couple of months, followed by annual screenings for the next five years. Though he suffered peeling skin on his hands and feet as a side effect, his skin has healed, and his fighting spirit remains unbroken.