BANGKOK: An elderly woman, seeking to keep her son away from drugs and gambling, took the drastic step of constructing a prison cell inside her home.

According to Thai news outlet Thaiger, the 64-year-old woman from Buriram province had done this to protect himself and her neighbours after more than 20 years of living in constant fear of her drug-addicted son.

The woman recently instructed contractors to build a prison cell inside her house to confine her 42-year-old son.

According to the report, the woman told the police that she had tried everything to save her son from his drug addiction over the years.

This included multiple attempts at rehabilitation across more than 10 centres nationwide, but none were successful, and her son grew increasingly violent.

"For 20 years, I have lived in constant fear," she said.

"I have been living alone with my son since my husband passed away. One of the reasons for my husband's death was depression and stress caused by my son's addiction."

The woman explained that she installed iron bars in her home because she was concerned about her safety and the safety of her neighbours.

"I make sure my son has access to necessities. I've left space between the bars to give him food and water," she explained.

"The room with the iron bars is equipped with essential facilities like a bed, a bathroom, and WiFi. It's a small space designed to deliver food and drinks to my son. I also installed a CCTV system to monitor his behaviour 24 hours a day."

"I believe this step will protect both me and my neighbors from his aggressive behaviour," she added.

The authorities are planning to meet with the woman to discuss her situation, as the cage has been deemed illegal.

Police are working to find a solution that ensures the safety and peace of mind of all parties involved.