Elderly Care Center Probed over Alleged Abuse
KANCHANABURI, Oct 7 (TNA) - Authorities have transferred five psychiatric patients from an elderly care facility in Kanchanaburi province to specialized hospitals following allegations of physical abuse and unlawful detention, officials said.
The intervention came after multi-agency inspections at the center in Tha Muang district, triggered by a complaint from a former resident. The complainant, whose family is involved in a high-profile business dispute, alleged she was forcibly detained and mistreated at the facility.
A multidisciplinary team evaluated 92 residents—comprising 81 mild cases, five moderate cases, and six with physical ailments.
Authorities classified five patients as 'yellow tag' (moderate severity) and transferred them to specialized psychiatric institutes for further treatment.
Six other residents with physical ailments were scheduled for hospital transfers, while arrangements are underway to relocate the remaining residents to suitable public or private facilities.
Officials from the Department of Health Service Support (DHSS) and local administration found that while the facility was licensed to provide general elderly care, it operated as an unpermitted psychiatric treatment center. Inspections also revealed unpermitted building modifications, bed capacity exceeding legal limits, and metal cage-like structures installed over beds with external locks.
Police Superintendent Pol. Col. Phitak Wongphanich of Tha Muang Police Station stated that authorities are preparing to receive additional complaints as the investigation proceeds. Health officials confirmed the center faces closure if law enforcement determines that unlawful detention occurred.
The facility’s operator, a former military nurse who opened the center in 2006, denied allegations of abuse and intentional confinement. The owner stated that the caged beds were utilized solely for violent or agitated psychiatric patients to prevent self-harm or falls, adding that the center is willing to cooperate fully with official investigations and modify operations according to government directives. - 819 (TNA)
