Thai care centre has elderly sleeping in caged beds, woman alleges on TV she was confined there for over 2 years

Thai authorities are investigating an elderly and psychiatric care facility in Kachanaburi after it was discovered that some of its patients are sleeping in beds enclosed by a metal frame.

Rooms enclosed by metal bars were also discovered.

The case apparently came to light after an elderly woman went on a television programme to accuse her son and daughter-in-law of tricking her into moving into the care facility in order to take over her business.

Woman's on-air allegations

According to Bangkok Post, the woman alleged that she was kept at the care facility against her will for more than two years.

While there, she was reportedly assaulted, threatened and forced to medicate.

She managed to contact her sister in secret and sought help leaving.

The woman's on-air allegations prompted the local authorities to visit the care centre on Oct. 5 evening.

Thai authorities find enclosed sleeping areas, beds

Thailand's Central Investigation Bureau released images of the facility from the visit, showing sleeping areas fitted with metal cages and padlocks, Thai PBS World reported.

The perimeter of the complex also had barbed wire and steel frames.

Elderly patients were also found sleeping in beds enclosed by a metal cage bolted to the bed frame.

Necessary permits and licenses obtained, says owner

According to the facility's owner, the facility was opened in 2006.

It became a registered facility caring for elderly and dependent patients in 2021, Bangkok Post reported.

These patients include those receiving psychiatric and rehabilitative care.

The owner also said that necessary permits from relevant authorities have been obtained.

The centre's license was presented to officers during the inspection.

92 patients are currently housed at the facility, 75 of whom are male and 17 female.

Of these, a total of 81 are receiving psychiatric care.

19 caregivers are employed there.

The owner explained that those with severe psychiatric conditions are housed in rooms fitted with steel-bar enclosures as they may damage property, self-harm or wander about.

Local police are continuing with their investigations, Bangkok Post wrote.