Sothornchai Nursing Home in Thailand faces closure over abuse allegations

Authorities in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, have revoked the license of the Sothornchai Nursing Home following reports of patient mistreatment and illegal facility expansion. An investigation by the Central Investigation Bureau and local health officials revealed that the facility, which was licensed for only 50 beds, was operating with over 120 beds.

Inspectors discovered several rooms equipped with iron bars and doors that could be locked from the outside. Additionally, many beds were fitted with metal frames that effectively functioned as cages, leaving less than 30cm of space above the occupants. The facility also featured multiple layers of barbed wire and reinforced iron structures on its exterior.

The investigation was prompted by a 63-year-old woman, identified as Phat, who alleged she was forcibly held at the facility for over two years against her will and coerced into using sleeping medication. The owner of the nursing home, Ying Pornsermsiri, a former nurse, denied the allegations of abuse, claiming the metal bed frames were a necessary safety innovation to prevent confused patients from falling or climbing out of bed.