BANGKOK, Thailand – Thai authorities have ordered an elderly care centre in Kanchanaburi to close and begun evacuating its residents after metal cages were found enclosing patients’ beds, in a case officials say demanded urgent action.

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Dr Akom Praditsuwan, deputy director-general of the Department of Health Service Support, announced the shutdown on the Hone Krasae television programme on 7 October, two days after an inspection of the premises. The facility drew scrutiny after complaints on the programme alleged residents were kept in rooms fitted with metal fencing and some beds encased in cages, prompting authorities to check whether it met licensing and health-care regulations.

Residents whose families want to take them home will be allowed to leave, while those needing continued care will be transferred to facilities meeting required standards. Those with no family or alternative place to go will be placed under the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security.

The department’s director-general inspected the centre personally, with multiple agencies coordinating the response, including an assistant minister for social development and human security, the Kanchanaburi deputy governor, the provincial police chief, the provincial social development and public health offices, the Department of Mental Health and Somdet Phra Sangkharat Hospital 19.

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As the closure was announced, a woman known as Mae Phat broke down in tears, saying her children had sent her to the home before she left and later spoke publicly about her experience. She raised her hands in a wai, appearing relieved and happy at the news.

-Thailand News (TN)