Kanchanaburi Care Center Shut After Violations Found

Aunty Cat spoke out after the care center for the elderly and dependent persons was ordered to close, saying she hopes to improve and reopen someday. She affirmed that there was no physical abuse of Aunty Pat. The investigation into the elderly and dependent persons care center in Tha Muang District, Kanchanaburi Province followed complaints that the facility had been confining and mistreating patients under its care. On October 7, 2069 BE, Public Health Minister Phatthana Promphat assigned Dr. Phuwadet Surakhot, Director‑General of the Health Support Services Department, to prepare the documents needed to immediately revoke and cancel the centre’s operating licence. Inspectors found clear violations of two key laws. First, under the Health Establishments Act, B.E. 2559, the centre was authorised for only 50 beds but actually housed 129, and its approved floor area of 1,600 square metres was exceeded by roughly 4,300 square metres – almost three times the permitted size. The premises and standard of care were substandard, with reports of unlawful detention of residents. Second, under the Healthcare Facilities Act, the centre had registered as a health establishment but was admitting psychiatric patients, which legally requires a hospital with doctors and specialised staff. Moreover, the patients’ medical records were incomplete and inaccurate. After the story broke, Aunty Cat told reporters that she personally worries whether anyone will dare to open a similar mental‑health care centre in the future, given the risk of prosecution like her own case. Regarding Aunty Pat, she said the centre had taken her in at the request of her son, following proper procedures, and had not physically harmed her as alleged. While Aunty Pat was in the centre’s care, Aunty Cat said she had contacted the son three times to ask him to take his mother back, but he repeatedly postponed; eventually the son came himself to collect her, without any attempt by the centre to restrain her or force her to seek help from relatives. Aunty Cat added that she does not yet know whether the closure order will be permanent or temporary, but she hopes that after making the improvements advised by officials she will be able to reopen the centre. For now she has told staff they may have to leave, and that anyone facing financial difficulties can still approach her for help. Meanwhile, the centre has dismantled the caged beds, and patients whose relatives have not yet been able to take them home will be transferred, via government agencies, to appropriate hospitals or care facilities.