Families Pull Patients From Kanchanaburi Care Center Over Abuse Claims
Relatives are withdrawing patients from an elderly care centre in Tha Muang, Kanchanaburi, after allegations of abuse, confinement and poor conditions. Families described shocking states of their loved ones, including uncontrolled drooling, long hair and lack of communication, while the centre admitted using caged beds for violent patients. Authorities have ordered the facility closed and launched an investigation, with public health officials reporting overcrowding and numerous psychiatric cases.
Relatives are gradually taking patients back from an elderly care centre in Tha Muang, Kanchanaburi, after complaints of mistreatment. A mother from Chanthaburi said she felt shocked seeing her 32‑year‑old son’s condition — long, unkempt hair, dandruff, drooling, and incoherent speech — after three months at the facility, where phones were banned and staff supervised visits. Another family from Nakhon Pathom said their son’s behaviour improved but they are taking him home because the centre may be shut down. A resident identified as Ball said he had spent five days in a caged bed when he first arrived but now lives normally, receiving three meals a day, joining prayers and exercise. He explained that the caged beds and rooms, as well as using cans for toileting, were only for patients who were still violent; after adjusting, he uses the bathroom normally and is not confined. Read news: Ordered closed ‘Sothornchai Nursing Home’ elderly care centre, to set up investigation committee. Read news: Ministry of Public Health reveals inspection results of elderly care centre, found 92 psychiatric patients, over capacity, unauthorized extensions.
