BANGKOK, THAILAND – Police in Min Buri District arrested a 50-year-old man accused of posing as a doctor for nearly ten years without a valid license.
Police investigation and undercover operation
On Thursday, officers from the Metropolitan Police Division 3 detained Boonwiwat, aged 50, and his assistant Natthawut, aged 30, following an undercover operation in Min Buri, Bangkok. A local resident had previously filed a complaint, prompting police to deploy an officer as a patient.
“He complained of fever and sore throat and asked for a medical certificate,”
said Police Colonel Krit Komnoi, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Division 3.
The undercover officer was examined by a man identifying himself as “Dr. Phong”, who instead diagnosed diarrhea and issued a sick note signed “Dr. Amnuay”. The visit cost 300 baht.
Clinic raid and evidence seizure
During the raid on the clinic premises in Min Buri, investigators seized 6,000 patient records, multiple surgical kits, infusions, and pharmaceutical stocks. Police also found Natthawut at the reception counter registering patients before leading them to the examination room on the upper floor.
Inside, officers found Boonwiwat wearing a doctor’s coat and claiming to be “Dr. Phong.”
Confession of the assistant
Natthawut admitted to administering medication and injections to patients inside the facility.
“I learned how to give injections by watching Mr. Boonwiwat. Then I practiced on patients,”
said Natthawut, Clinic Assistant.
Outside the clinic, police encountered a woman recently given an injection for fever by Natthawut. Officers advised her to proceed immediately to a licensed hospital for treatment.
False credentials and expired licenses
Boonwiwat initially claimed to be a legitimate doctor and presented a permit for traditional Thai medicine, not a standard medical license. Officials confirmed the clinic’s operating permit had expired on 31 December 2024. He admitted previously hiring a genuine physician, Dr. Amnuay, but said the contract was never renewed.
Charges and wider impact
Authorities charged both men with:
– Operating a medical facility without authorization
– Practicing medicine without a license
– Forging official documents
According to investigators, the pair issued medical certificates and prescriptions using the names “Dr. Amnuay” and “Dr. Chakkaraphit.” Police reported that Boonwiwat closed two additional clinics in September after hearing about pending health inspections.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed the fraudulent operation may have affected thousands of patients across Bangkok over roughly ten years, revealing what they described as a significant lapse in oversight within private healthcare licensing systems.