Kanchanaburi:Officials conducted a raid on a senior care center in Kanchanaburi province following complaints of abuse and unlawful confinement of patients. They discovered illegal modifications and substandard cages on the premises. Authorities are now screening patients for treatment and have warned that the center will be closed if any unlawful confinement practices are confirmed. The center's owner stated that the cage beds were intended to prevent psychiatric patients from becoming violent.
According to Thai News Agency, the investigation into allegations of abuse and confinement at the care facility in Tha Muang District involved several agencies, including the Department of Health Service Support, Kanchanaburi Provincial Administration, Kanchanaburi Provincial Police, and the Kanchanaburi Provincial Social Development Office. These agencies conducted inspections, collected evidence, and performed drug tests. The facility, which is licensed as a senior care center, was found to be caring for psychiatric patients without the necessary medical facility license. It also had an excessive number of beds and unauthorized building extensions.
The center accommodates 100 people, including 92 with psychiatric disorders or drug addiction and 8 elderly individuals, cared for by 19 staff members. The Department of Mental Health is assessing the health of the patients, and arrangements are being made for those unable to care for themselves. Patients' relatives will be notified to either pick them up or transfer them to other facilities.
The owner, a former air force nurse, has operated the center since 2006. She claims the facility is operating legally and asserts that the metal cages are used for the safety of psychiatric patients who may experience aggression or are at risk of falling out of bed. She expressed willingness to listen to public feedback and make necessary adjustments based on government recommendations.
A request for justice came from a patient's family, who stated the patient was experiencing psychotic episodes and causing property damage, leading them to seek care at the center. The owner communicated with the patient regularly and attempted to arrange for the family to pick them up when they wanted to return home. The center is open to cooperating with any investigation into alleged abuse. The facility, originally a senior care center since 2006, expanded in 2021 to include care for psychiatric patients and rehabilitation services.