Crackdown on Unlicensed Medical Facilities: 7 Illegal Doctors Arrested

On September 22, 2024, a joint operation by the Crime Suppression Division and public health officials led to the arrest of 7 illegal doctors and the owner of a medical facility in Phetchabun, Chonburi, and Samut Sakhon provinces.

Major General Witthaya Sriprasertphap, Commander-in-Chief of the Crime Suppression Division, stated that the operation was launched after receiving complaints about unlicensed medical facilities operating in the area.

The first location inspected was a clinic in Nong Prue sub-district, Bang Lamung district, where authorities found Ms. Wassana, a 65-year-old woman claiming to be a doctor, but without a license to practice medicine. The clinic also did not have a license to operate.

Ms. Wassana admitted to being the owner of the clinic and stated that she had graduated from a nursing course. However, it was discovered that she had previously been arrested and had changed the name of the clinic to avoid detection.

The second location inspected was a nearby medical clinic, where authorities found Mr. Thawatchai, the owner of the clinic, and Ms. Chananchida, a 32-year-old woman claiming to be a doctor. However, Ms. Chananchida quickly fled the scene when she saw the authorities approaching.

The inspection found that the clinic did not have a business license or a license to operate a medical facility. Mr. Thawatchai was arrested, and 101 items worth 500,000 baht were seized.

Major General Witthaya also inspected beauty clinics in Mueang district, Samut Sakhon province, and Phetchabun province, where he found that they were providing vitamin injection services and beauty treatments without a license.

The results of the operation were 4 unlicensed medical facilities, 8 arrested suspects, 7 unlicensed doctors, and 1 owner of a medical facility. Most of the providers had a degree, but not in medicine or nursing.

Major General Witthaya warned the public to be cautious when seeking medical treatment or cosmetic procedures, as there may be risks of misdiagnosis and mistreatment by non-medical personnel.

In the case of cosmetic surgery, if the injections are performed by non-medical people, there may be a risk of incorrect treatment, and it easily affects the face. Some cases may become disfigured and difficult to repair.