Shelter Owner's Son Denies 5,000-Baat Fee, Explains Cage Use
Japan, son of the owner of a Kanchanaburi elderly care center, denied collecting a 5,000‑baht fee and explained the use of cages and a fish‑grilling stove after the facility was ordered to close. He admitted mistakes in patient care, said his mother will step away from the center, and noted that deposits must be refunded double. Japan released an audio clip of another patient to clear the controversy and accept responsibility.
Japan, 22-year-old son of Aunt Cat, owner of an elderly care center in Kanchanaburi Province, explained all the issues after the Hoon Krasae show on October 8, 2026 at Mali Nen Tower, and expressed willingness to take responsibility for mistakes made toward Mother Phat, or Mrs. Natthaphorn, 63, who had been confined at the center for over two years.
Japan said that after the center was ordered to close on October 7, he coordinated the transfer of patients to various hospitals, working nonstop until midnight, and now all patients have been moved out. He said his mother did not accompany him because she was exhausted from working two to three days straight, so he wanted her to rest and decided to speak about the matter himself.
Regarding the use of cages and leg restraints, Japan explained that caring for long‑term psychiatric patients on medication requires extra safety measures. He acknowledged that the cages need to be reviewed so they do not look too dangerous, noting that provincial health officials had once warned that the cages appeared excessive but still allowed the center to operate, without issuing a ban.
On the equipment referred to in the media as a “fish‑grilling stove”, Japan denied being its inventor, saying his mother came up with the idea herself about two years ago. He admitted it is not appropriate, but said he had been told it could be used and considered it a common practice in Thailand, and apologized to patients, their families, and society for the distressing images.
Concerning the alleged 5,000‑baht fee, Japan firmly denied collecting any such amount from staff or anyone delivering patients, although he acknowledged that field conditions are challenging and represent a legal loophole when dealing with aggressive, unruly patients.
He also admitted a mistake in the case of the patient nicknamed “Benz”, who lacked a medical certificate; the center’s verification process was insufficient and the referral was delayed, noting that the only patient without a medical certificate in the center was Mrs. Natthaphorn.
Japan added that his approach, influenced by psychology and counseling techniques he studied in New Zealand, conflicts with his mother’s older‑generation mindset, and that finding qualified psychologists in Kanchanaburi is difficult.
He reflected that the 20 % of mistakes made by the center have already caused harm and deserve punishment, but he believes the remaining 80 % of their work has given new lives to many former patients.
Japan disclosed that releasing the audio clip of Benz and revealing the “secret deal” was intended to tell the truth and benefit society now that the issue has reached this point.
Finally, he said his mother is preparing to step away from running the center; there are no immediate plans to open a new one because she needs time to review her actions and learn more. The sudden closure has required the center to return double deposits to affected cases, and he is ready to accept responsibility for both the faults and the merits of what happened.
