Son Admits Designing Controversial Bed Cages at Thai Elderly Home

KANCHANABURI — 6 October 2026, the son of the owner of an elderly care center in Kanchanaburi admitted he personally designed the controversial metal cages installed over patients’ beds, saying the structures were intended as a safety measure.

Speaking to the television program Ruang Den Yen Nee on 6 October, Teerapop Rangsisukanon, son of the care center’s owner, known as "J," said he studied health sciences at the University of Auckland in New Zealand. He said he developed the cage‑bed concept after learning from incidents involving patients and assessing their conditions.

"Everyone is now focusing on the cages," J said, adding that he was prepared to take responsibility for shortcomings in assessing patients and reviewing their medical records.

He acknowledged that while the purpose of the cages was to prevent patients from harming themselves or others, their design and appearance were also important. He said feedback from the Department of Health Service Support and the public would be considered in finding ways to separate areas safely while creating a more appropriate environment for patients.

J also said five residents had left the facility following recent developments, including three members of the same family. He said the center respected their decision and was grateful that their relatives continued to support the facility despite taking them elsewhere.

Health authorities set limits on psychiatric care

Dr. Phuwadet Surakot, director-general of the Department of Health Service Support, said authorities would determine whether the center had violated the law or merely breached regulations. If the operation is found to be illegal, its license could be revoked. If it is found to have violated regulations, authorities could order improvements and allow it to continue operating. A license suspension could follow if the required improvements cannot be made.

Dr. Phuwadet said the center is licensed to provide care for elderly people and those with dependency conditions, including psychiatric patients whose condition is classified at no higher than the "green" level.

Patients whose psychiatric symptoms exceed that level, including those who become severely agitated or violent, are beyond the facility’s scope of care and must be transferred to a medical or psychiatric treatment facility, he said.

The center currently has around 100 registered patients, including 92 psychiatric patients.

Sothonchai Nursing Home reports 7 million baht revenue

The facility operates under Sothonchai Nursing Home Co Ltd, which was registered on 17 September 2024 with registered capital of 2 million baht. The company was established by Flt.Lt. Phonsarmsiri Siriphatcharasakul, also known as Pa Maew, and Teerapop Rangsisukanon, her son, and remains operational.

Its latest financial statement shows total revenue of 7.43 million baht, a 756.05% increase from the previous year’s figure, with a net profit of 474,102 baht.