The son of Mae Maew, owner of an elderly care center in Kanchanaburi, admitted to designing cage beds himself and agreed to make improvements following recommendations from the Health Service Support Department. Recently, relatives of five patients came to take them home.
On 6 Oct 2026 GMT+7, following the Health Service Support Department’s inspection of an elderly care center in Kanchanaburi—after a mother complained her son had been confined there for two years—the center was found to have living conditions unlike typical patient or elderly care facilities, as previously reported.
Lt. Col. Phorsermsiri, known as Mae Maew, owner of the establishment, stated she has operated an elderly care center for over 30 years. She explained to officials about the cages, asserting they are not a form of patient abuse but intended to help patients recover faster and reduce suffering, though outsiders who do not care for such patients might not understand.
The reason for the cages arose because some patients had swollen hands and could not be tied to beds. Therefore, cages were designed to allow patients to lie down without being tied up. She admitted this was excessive and plans to improve the center’s image so outsiders see it as a proper nursing home. There is an expectation that admitted patients receive better care. Outsiders might think patients are being tied or restrained, but those experienced in such care would understand, though some still do not.
Lt. Col. Phorsermsiri added she has worked since her first year as a nurse and is now 65. Some patients have stayed for 17-18 years, which she says proves the facility meets standards. She believes patients' relatives verify the quality of care before admission. The cages were made to keep patients safe and separate them to prevent fights. The spiked carts and cages are for mentally ill, strong young patients who might escape or harm staff. Cage beds were created because tying patients all day can cause hand swelling and wounds. The beds are sized to fit thin patients to prevent falls.
Mr. Jay, son of Lt. Col. Phorsermsiri and part of the management team, who studied Health Sciences at the University of Auckland, New Zealand, offered further explanation about the facility’s environment and the unique innovations used. He admitted the designs were self-made and accepted shortcomings in assessing patient suitability. He acknowledged all recommendations from the Health Service Support Department and public criticism. The cages appear dangerous and cause patient discomfort. They will use this feedback to redesign safe and better-looking spaces. The facility plans improvements within one to two months.
Following the recent news coverage, relatives of patients who had entrusted their family members to the center have come to take five patients home. He respects the families’ decisions.
