Authorities Inspect Unlicensed Elderly Care Facility in Kanchanaburi
Officials raided an elderly care center in Kanchanaburi following allegations of abuse and improper confinement, discovering the facility lacked a medical license.
On October 6, 2026, a multi-agency task force led by the Department of Health Service Support (DHSS) and Kanchanaburi provincial authorities inspected an elderly care facility in Tha Muang District. The operation followed public complaints alleging the mistreatment and unlawful confinement of elderly patients and those with psychiatric conditions.
During the inspection, officials confirmed that the facility was operating without the required medical license. Investigators focused on reports of patients being kept in caged beds, a practice the facility owner defended as a necessary measure for managing patients with severe psychiatric symptoms. While the owner acknowledged that the appearance of the caged beds might be perceived as inappropriate by outsiders, they maintained it was a functional necessity for the specific care provided.
For residents and visitors, this incident highlights the importance of verifying the licensing status of care facilities in Thailand. The Department of Health Service Support, alongside the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, is currently reviewing the facility's operations to determine if further legal action is warranted. It remains to be confirmed whether the facility will be permitted to continue operations or if it will face permanent closure due to the lack of proper authorization and the nature of the care provided. Authorities have not yet released a final report on the welfare of the patients currently residing at the site.
