Kanchanaburi Elderly Care Center Ordered to Close Following Discovery of Caged Beds
Thai health authorities have ordered the immediate closure of an elderly care facility in Kanchanaburi after investigators discovered patients were being kept in metal cages.
On October 7, 2026, Thailand’s Department of Health Service Support (DHSS) announced the mandatory closure of an elderly care center located in Kanchanaburi province. The decision follows a disturbing discovery by officials who found that patients at the facility were being confined to their beds using metal cages.
Dr. Akom Praditsuwan, deputy director-general of the DHSS, confirmed on the television program 'Hone Krasae' that authorities have initiated the process of relocating all residents to ensure their safety and well-being. The use of such restrictive measures has raised significant concerns regarding the standards of care and human rights protections within private nursing facilities in the region.
For residents and expatriates, this incident highlights the importance of verifying the credentials and operational standards of care facilities. While the immediate threat to the affected patients is being addressed by the government, the broader investigation into the facility's management and the potential for similar practices elsewhere remains ongoing. It is not yet clear what legal actions will be taken against the center's operators or if further inspections of other facilities in the province will be mandated. Authorities have not yet released details regarding the duration of the facility's operation or the specific conditions that led to the use of these cages.
