AS INVESTIGATION into Chinese inmates at Bangkok Remand Prison enjoying special privileges continues it was revealed that the guards room had been altered and a couple of Chinese models were taken there in broad daylight to serve two VIP Chinese inmates, Naewna newspaper said last night (Nov. 21).
Justice Minister Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruttapol Naowarat said after a meeting with a fact-finding committee that the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) will now be joining the probe and the team will be coordinating with the Anti-Money Laundering Office to determine relevant facts.
There are approximately 300 Chinese inmates in this prison and two of them, held under pre-trial detention, have been transferred to another prison after it was discovered they met the two Chinese models.
Seven prison guards and officials were involved in taking the two women to meet the two VIP Chinese prisoners at the modified room with the prison commander’s room being on the upper floor
There has been an attempt to erase CCTV clips but some data was recovered and this provides sufficient evidence.
These clips show inmates walking in areas they are not allowed to do so, he said, but could not confirm how many times the two women were taken to meet the two VIP inmates while underscoring that those involved will be held accountable for their actions.
“The models, who are both Chinese nationals, used a normal route, not a shortcut. It is believed the officials brought them to the front of the building but they did not enter the family visitation area and they came during the day,” he said.
The models have been questioned with their photos taken and passports checked but they said that they met officers in that area of the prison and it is uncertain whether they are still in the country.
It is believed that the two women came to the prison willingly and as for other women too having visited the prison in this manner and for this purpose, Lt. Gen. Rutthaphon replied that the investigators only know of these two at the time of this incident.
Asked whether the undercover officer who exposed the illegal goings-on at this prison is safe, he replied, “Yes, he is.”
CAPTIONS:
Top and Front Page – Entrance to Bangkok Remand Prison. Photo – Thai Rath
Insert – Justice Minister Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruttapol Naowarat. Photo – PPTVHD36
Also read:
Panel probing ex-prison chief over Chinese grey capitalist VIP inmates
Pheu Thai has prepared censure motion against PM
Varawut tipped to lead departure of Chart Thai Pattana MPs for Bhumjaithai
9 Thai tourists missing as boat capsizes off Pattaya
