Police Bust Unlicensed Dental Clinic Operating Over 10 Years in Buriram
Police in Buriram arrested three suspects operating an unlicensed dental clinic for over a decade, seizing equipment and medications after a patient discovered the absence of standard X-ray machines. The unqualified practitioners risked exp
On July 30, 2025, Lieutenant Colonel Jaruas Siriliang, commander of Muang Buriram Police Station, coordinated with consumer protection officers from the Buriram Provincial Health Office to raid and arrest suspects who illegally posed as dentists and operated an unlicensed dental clinic, creating public safety risks in the area.
Dr. Yutthana Suriya, the provincial health officer, explained that the operation was triggered by a public tip about a clinic in the Buriram Municipality area providing teeth whitening, cosmetic bracing, and dental treatment without proper licensing or professional credentials. During the raid, officers arrested three individuals caught actively treating patients inside the commercial building. Officers also seized dental equipment, medications, anesthetics, and non-standard cosmetic bracing devices. Such operations by unqualified practitioners using unsterilized equipment pose serious risks to patients, including bloodstream infections and hepatitis virus transmission.
A 19-year-old patient, identified as Ms. A, revealed she had found the clinic on social media seeking orthodontic treatment. She noticed the absence of standard dental X-rays and questioned staff, who claimed it was a new orthodontic innovation. Upon inspection of the X-ray room, she found only a bed with no X-ray machine, prompting her to alert authorities.
Suspect Kai (pseudonym), 28, confessed the clinic had operated for over 10 years, claiming to be awaiting a license from the provincial health office. He admitted he had no dental education and no dentistry credentials whatsoever.
Dr. Yutthana urged the public to verify proper medical facility licenses and credentials before seeking dental services, warning that unlicensed clinics risk serious infections such as hepatitis and permanent damage to oral structures. Authorities initially charged the suspects with operating a medical facility without qualified professionals and practicing dentistry without authorization, with cases forwarded for further legal prosecution.
