FOLLOWING the transfer of Bangkok Remand Prison director and 14 guards the Corrections Department has now set up a committee to investigate them for allowing Chinese grey capitalists jailed there enjoy special privileges including visits by beautiful models, Amarin TV said this evening (Nov. 20).
Mr. Manop Chomchuen and these officials were transferred to other positions within the department after a raid of this prison revealed wrongdoing in the control and treatment of prisoners with Chinese inmates exerting influence over the others and this leading to dissatisfaction among the Thais serving time there.
It was reported that a Thai inmate filed a complaint with this department and the Justice Ministry that Chinese inmates were receiving special privileges. These included use of electrical appliances such as microwaves, air conditioners and kettles, and they were regularly visited by beautiful women who appeared to be models.
Previously whenever the department mounted raids, those in charge of this prison were tipped off beforehand. However this raid was mounted by a special task force which the Corrections Department Director-General had appointed.
The team’s search revealed that the three units holding Chinese inmates contained numerous facilities and electrical appliances. They also found sharp objects, including knives and lighters, which are prohibited in prisons because they can be used as weapons. The lighters indicated that smoking was allowed there.
It was also said that the Chinese prisoners have been paying Thai prisoners who can speak some Chinese to provide care and assistance. They also divided the three units among themselves with the gang leaders staying in one unit and the subordinates the others.
The Chinese inmates had said the microwaves and other amenities were donated and requested to use them while the officials said they had difficulty in verifying the relationship between visiting women and the Chinese inmates as they too were foreigners.
Aside from setting up a committee to investigate this prison, the Corrections Department chief has also assigned his deputy to lead an inspection and question all officials involved in controlling Chinese inmates from Monday Nov. 24 onwards. Also prohibited items have been removed and stricter enforcement measures introduced.
CAPTIONS:
Top and Front Page – Entrance to Bangkok Remand Prison.
Insert – Mr. Manop Chomchuen. Both photos – Amarin TV
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