Elderly care center owner’s son admits designing locked bed cages

KANCHANABURI — On 6 October 2026, the son of the owner of an elderly care center in Kanchanaburi confessed to designing the metal cages placed over patients' beds. Teerapop Rangsisukanon, son of the center's owner, known as "J," stated that he created the cage-bed concept himself. J explained that he developed the cages as a safety measure after reviewing incidents involving patients and assessing their conditions at the University of Auckland in New Zealand.

J acknowledged that while the cages were meant to prevent harm, their design and appearance were also crucial factors. He expressed openness to feedback from the Department of Health Service Support and the public in seeking alternative ways to separate areas safely while improving the environment for patients. Five residents left the facility following recent events, including three members of the same family, and the center respected their decision, appreciating continued support from their relatives elsewhere.

The Department of Health Service Support's director-general, Dr. Phuwadet Surakot, stated that authorities would assess whether the center violated the law or merely broke regulations. If found in violation of the law, the facility's license could be revoked. If it breaches regulations, authorities might allow it to continue operating while requiring improvements.

The center is licensed to care for elderly individuals and those with dependency conditions, including psychiatric patients with a "green" level classification. Those with higher levels of psychiatric symptoms, including severe agitation or violence, are beyond the center's care scope and must be transferred to another medical or psychiatric treatment facility.

The center currently houses around 100 registered patients, including 92 psychiatric patients. Sothonchai Nursing Home Co Ltd, which operates the facility, was established on 17 September 2024 with a registered capital of 2 million baht. The company's latest financial statement shows a 7.43 million baht revenue, a 756.05% increase from the previous year, and a net profit of 474,102 baht.