Unauthorized medical practitioner with a history of legal infractions apprehended at Bangkok healthcare facility
In a recent development, authorities are preparing additional charges against a 74-year-old man named Boonmak, who was posing as a licensed doctor and was arrested by Bangkok police. The additional charges will be handled by the Sutthisan police station.
Boonmak, who was working under the name "Dr Manid" at the Lat Phrao clinic, was arrested by officers from Metropolitan Police Division 3. The police launched an undercover investigation after receiving complaints about his qualifications and practices.
The investigation began when a detective with a medical degree from Beijing Medical University, currently awaiting his Thai medical license, infiltrated online groups where part-time doctors are recruited. Nurses at the Lat Phrao clinic had already suspected Boonmak of using forged credentials to gain employment as a part-time physician.
During his time at the clinic, Boonmak often changed his diagnosis to match staff's suggestions. He also prescribed unusual treatments that did not align with current medical practice. Staff referred to him as "Professor Doctor" due to his age and the respect he commanded.
Investigations revealed that Boonmak had a history of similar offenses. He had been arrested for impersonating a doctor twice before, most recently in 2017. Boonmak used forged documents to secure part-time work at medical clinics in several provinces, including the infirmary of a company in Rayong province for around two years.
Boonmak was last arrested in Bangkok in 2015 before he worked as a doctor under a false identity. During questioning, Boonmak admitted to having forged documents belonging to Dr. Manid. He confessed that he had pursued the deception because doctors can earn good money.
Boonmak was transferred to the Rayong Provincial Court to face charges including falsification of documents, violations of the Medical Profession Act, and offences under the Drug Act. The operation confirmed suspicions that Boonmak had been posing as a qualified practitioner, treating patients under the National Health Security Office (NHSO) scheme with falsified identification cards and medical licenses.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to ensure that such incidents do not occur again, protecting the health and safety of the public.
