Bangkok: The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has successfully cracked down on a network of illegal dental practitioners, leading to the arrest of four unlicensed dentists and one individual pretending to be a doctor. These arrests were made following a thorough investigation spurred by public tips regarding unlicensed dental and medical practices.
According to Thai News Agency, the investigation revealed that these individuals, some of whom had minimal formal education, were offering unauthorized orthodontic and denture services across various locations. One of the unlicensed dentists, Ms. Thanyaporn, aged 30, was discovered in Krathum Baen District, Samut Sakhon Province. Despite only completing junior high school, she had been providing orthodontic treatments using techniques learned from YouTube. Her services, which began at 1,300 baht, were offered through social media and word-of-mouth, earning her approximately 15,000 baht monthly.
Another individual, Mr. Somchai, 61, was caught taking dental impressions to create dentures. Despite having only completed third grade, he had been running a home-based dental practice for over 30 years in Samut Sakhon Province. His operations primarily involved making dentures for medical facilities and direct orders from villagers, bringing in a monthly income of 40,000-50,000 baht.
In a separate incident, Ms. Saiphon, 44, was found making dental molds for retainers at her home. Holding only a high school diploma, she had gained skills as a dental technician in Bangkok and had been serving clients from home for three years. Her services were priced at approximately 9,000 baht each.
In Bang Khen District, Bangkok, Ms. Uthai, aged 56, was arrested at a roadside denture shop. Authorities seized numerous dental items, including dentures and resin. Ms. Uthai, with only primary school education, had been operating her denture-making business for 4-5 years, serving several customers daily.
The final arrest occurred at a beauty clinic in Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan Province. Ms. Thitima, 26, was caught administering vitamin drips without a licensed doctor present. Although she holds a nursing and midwifery license, she lacked the necessary medical license to perform such procedures.
These arrests underscore the ongoing efforts of authorities to combat illegal medical practices and protect public health and safety.