Health Minister Patthana has ordered the Department of Health Service Support and the Department of Mental Health to investigate an elderly care center in Kanchanaburi amid allegations of abuse, confinement, and drugging. He stressed these actions clearly violate the law and indicated the center could be ordered closed, urging a prompt summary of findings today.Tags: [Health Ministry, Elderly Care, Abuse Allegations, Kanchanaburi, Legal Investigation]
At 12:35 on 6 Oct 2026 GMT+7, at the Government House, Health Minister Patthana Prompat said regarding complaints of physical abuse and confinement at an elderly care center in Tha Muang Subdistrict, Tha Muang District, Kanchanaburi, that on 5 Oct he instructed the Department of Health Service Support (HSS) and the Department of Mental Health to inspect the facility. Earlier that morning, the directors of both departments visited the site and confirmed the reported conditions. After the Cabinet meeting, he planned to discuss detailed information with both directors again.Tags: [Health Ministry, Elderly Care Center, Inspection, Kanchanaburi, Abuse Complaints]
Preliminary review of photographs indicates that the care standards for elderly or patients prohibit and do not allow the use of cage-like beds or confinement, which is clearly inappropriate. It is known that this facility applies for and renews its license annually. Therefore, the Health Service Support director has been urged to thoroughly examine the licensing process for any loopholes or deficiencies.Tags: [Elderly Care Standards, Licensing Process, Facility Inspection, Abuse, Kanchanaburi]
Minister Patthana added that special attention should be given to reviewing each elderly resident's medical and care history, checking their physical condition from admission and monitoring changes over their stay, especially concerning reports of drugging or sedative use that could cause mental or other health issues. Such actions would be illegal. Coordination with police and relevant agencies has been arranged for joint investigation.Tags: [Medical Records, Elderly Care, Drugging Allegations, Legal Action, Kanchanaburi]
When asked about temporarily closing the center during the investigation, Patthana said he was awaiting a report from the Health Service Support director, who had been on-site since 10:00 before the Cabinet meeting and had spent 2-3 hours conducting inspections.Tags: [Temporary Closure, Investigation, Elderly Care Center, Kanchanaburi]
When further questioned about permanent closure, Patthana said preliminary photographic evidence suggests definite wrongdoing. While he needed to review regulations before deciding on permanent closure, he believed closure was likely. Consideration of impacts and fairness to all parties will be made, with a clear conclusion expected today.Tags: [Permanent Closure, Elderly Care, Legal Review, Kanchanaburi, Investigation]
Regarding investigation of officials who issued the license, especially concerning possible misconduct before the license renewal in August, Patthana said he had ordered a full review of the licensing process from the initial application year, including document and facility inspections, to assess thoroughness. This information will be shared publicly as the case deeply concerns the public.Tags: [License Investigation, Official Accountability, Elderly Care, Kanchanaburi, Public Concern]
Asked about standards and regulations for opening such centers, Patthana said there are clear procedures, and using cage-like confinement is definitely not permitted under any regulation. Any such images are clear violations.Tags: [Regulations, Elderly Care Standards, Confinement Ban, Kanchanaburi]
When asked if elderly residents must be returned home or relocated, Patthana said he awaited the Health Service Support director’s detailed report, as the exact number of residents was not yet confirmed. All information will be clarified within today.Tags: [Resident Relocation, Elderly Care, Inspection, Kanchanaburi, Health Ministry]