Kanchanaburi Elderly Care Center Closed Following Allegations of Mistreatment
A private elderly care facility in Kanchanaburi has been shut down by authorities following reports of patient confinement and mistreatment.
On October 8, 2026, Japan, a 22-year-old representative of an elderly care center in Kanchanaburi, addressed public controversy regarding the facility's operations. The center was officially ordered to close on October 7, 2026, following allegations that a 63-year-old patient, identified as Mae Phat, had been confined in a cage and restrained for over two years.
Japan confirmed that all patients have been successfully transferred to various hospitals as of the early hours of October 8. During a public statement, he acknowledged the gravity of the situation and accepted responsibility for the operational failures. Regarding the use of cages and leg restraints, Japan stated that these measures were intended for the safety of patients with long-term psychiatric conditions and drug dependencies, though he admitted that these practices require a thorough review.
For residents and visitors, this incident highlights the importance of verifying the licensing and operational standards of private care facilities in Thailand. While the immediate crisis has been addressed through the relocation of patients, the full extent of the facility's internal practices remains under investigation. Authorities have yet to release a final report on the legal consequences for the center's management. The public is advised to monitor official health department updates for further developments regarding the regulation of such private care institutions.
