BURIRAM, Thailand – Cops and health officials stormed a fake dental clinic in the heart of Buriram, busting three suspects mid-treatment on July 30.
The clinic had been running for more than a decade, offering general dental work and trendy ‘fashion braces’ – without a single license. None of the three arrested had any formal dental training.
No training, no license
During the raid, officers quickly discovered that not one of the three suspects holds a dental license. The clinic itself had never obtained an operating permit.
A 28-year-old man, identified by police as Kai, reportedly admitted straight up that he never studied dentistry. He claimed the clinic had been waiting for years for a license from the health office.
Teen customer tipped off cops
The raid did not happen by chance. A 19-year-old customer alerted authorities after seeing social media ads for braces and visiting the clinic.
She got suspicious because no X-ray was taken – contrary to normal practice. When she asked, staff told her it was a ‘new orthodontic innovation’. In the supposed X-ray room she found only a bed, no machine.
Seized drugs, tools, fake braces gear
Police Colonel Jamrat Siriliang from Buriram city police sent his investigators together with the consumer protection team from the provincial health office. Officers searched the premises in Muang district.
They seized dental instruments, medications, anesthetics and a large amount of non-standard equipment for so-called ‘fashion braces’. The clinic was housed in a commercial building.
Clinic ran for more than a decade
Kai admitted that the clinic had been operating for over ten years. The three allegedly offered the public general dental treatments and orthodontic work.
Criminal proceedings are now underway against all those arrested. Police did not initially provide details on the other two suspects.
Health warning from top doctor
Dr Yutthana Suriya, the public health officer for Buriram province, issued a stark warning about the consequences of such illegal practices.
Unqualified staff and unclean equipment can lead to blood poisoning, hepatitis infections and permanent damage to the mouth.
said Dr Yutthana Suriya, public health officer for Buriram province.
He called on the public to only visit licensed clinics. Patients should check before any treatment whether the facility license is clearly displayed. This applies especially to offers on social media advertising unusually low prices.