Kanchanaburi:Authorities have transferred five psychiatric patients from an elderly care facility in the province to specialized hospitals following allegations of physical abuse and unlawful detention.
According to Thai News Agency, the intervention was initiated after multi-agency inspections at the center in Tha Muang district, prompted by a complaint from a former resident. The complainant, whose family is involved in a high-profile business dispute, reported being forcibly detained and mistreated at the facility.
A multidisciplinary team assessed 92 residents, finding 81 with mild cases, five with moderate cases, and six with physical ailments. The five patients classified as 'yellow tag' (moderate severity) were moved to specialized psychiatric institutes for further treatment.
In addition to these transfers, six residents with physical ailments are scheduled to be moved to hospitals. Arrangements are being made to relocate the remaining residents to appropriate public or private facilities.
Inspection by officials from the Department of Health Service Support and local administration revealed that although the facility was licensed for general elderly care, it was operating as an unauthorized psychiatric treatment center. Unpermitted building modifications, bed capacity exceeding legal limits, and metal cage-like structures with external locks were also found.
Police Superintendent Pol. Col. Phitak Wongphanich of Tha Muang Police Station indicated that authorities are prepared to receive more complaints as the investigation continues. Health officials have stated that the center could face closure if it is determined that unlawful detention took place.
The facility's operator, a former military nurse who opened the center in 2006, has denied allegations of abuse and intentional confinement. The operator explained that the caged beds were used only for violent or agitated psychiatric patients to prevent self-harm or falls and expressed willingness to cooperate fully with official investigations and amend operations according to government directives.