Buriram mother bars her son: Prison bedroom sparks outrage

A Thai mother in the Isaan province of Buriram is facing criticism and may face legal charges for constructing a prison-like bedroom for her drug-addicted son.

Journalists from multiple news outlets visited the house on Hak Road in Buriram’s Nang Rong district to interview 64 year old Saraphee and see the prison-like bedroom she built for her 42 year old son.

Saraphee revealed that her son began using drugs at 16. She has sent him to more than 10 rehabilitation centres in various places including hospitals, army premises, and temples, but he always returned to drug use.

The situation worsened when he became addicted to online gambling. He often forced her to give him between 100 and 200 baht daily to buy drugs and gamble.

Saraphee disclosed that her son was recently apprehended on October 23 and sent to Nang Rong Hospital after going on a rampage. She admitted that she could not control him that day, so she had to call the police. Her son is expected to return home today, November 6.

Saraphee explained that she lives alone with her son, as her husband had passed away. Part of the cause of his death was the depression and stress caused by their son’s drug addiction. Saraphee said she lives in fear for her safety and that of her community.

Officials disagree

Despite having a limited budget, Saraphee invested 12,000 baht to build a bedroom with iron bars for her son. She emphasised that the room includes essential amenities such as a bed, bathroom, and WiFi.

Saraphee also designed a small opening through which she can deliver food and drink to her son and installed CCTV cameras to monitor his behaviour around the clock. She believes this measure would protect both herself and her community from his aggressive outbursts.

Saraphee urged the government to take the drug problem seriously and eliminate both drugs and gambling from the country. She believes that many other families face similar issues and lack effective solutions.

After Saraphee’s interview went viral on Thai social media, provincial administrative officials rushed to her home to investigate the prison-like bedroom, which is considered a potential violation of Thai law.

The Nang Rong district chief informed news agencies that this action could violate Section 310 of the Criminal Code, which addresses unlawful detention leading to death or serious injury, punishable by imprisonment from three to 15 years. Officials stated they would seek better solutions for both mother and son.

Saraphee urged officials to allow her to try the newly constructed room first, agreeing to follow their approach if her method proves ineffective. As of now, there are no updates on the government’s proposed solution.