In a story of desperation and resilience, a 64-year-old mother in Buriram Province, Thailand, has taken an unusual step to cope with her son's prolonged battle with addiction. Known only as Madam A, the mother installed a prison-like cell in her home to protect herself and her neighbors from her son's increasingly violent behavior.
After two decades of struggle, Madam A says her son, 42, has developed severe addiction issues, not only to drugs but also to gambling. The severity of his behavior left her fearing for her life, forcing her to seek extreme solutions. Despite repeated attempts to find help, including ten stays at rehabilitation centers, her son's addiction has shown no signs of improvement.
In her bid to protect herself, Madam A hired a contractor to build a barred cell within her home. Equipped with basic necessities like a bed, bathroom, Wi-Fi, and a CCTV system, the space allows Madam A to care for her son while ensuring she remains safe. The setup enables her to provide food and other essentials, minimizing direct contact. She explained, " I've been living alone with my son since my husband passed, who suffered greatly due to our son's issues. This cell was my last option to keep both of us safe."
Unfortunately, Madam A's actions have attracted legal attention. Authorities were notified about the cell and, upon inspection, expressed concerns over the arrangement, instructing her to dismantle it. The police assured her they would seek alternative support options, but there's uncertainty about whether Madam A might face charges related to human rights violations or unlawful detention.