THE former director of scandal-ridden Bangkok Remand Prison who was recently transferred to another post and a senior official have been suspended from duty as police teams start carrying out a detailed investigation within the compound today (Nov. 24), Amarin TV said.
Mr. Manop Chomchuen, the former head of this prison, had allowed Chinese inmates to use electrical appliances such as microwaves, air conditioners and kettles.
More shocking is that a couple of Chinese models were brought into the prison in broad daylight to serve two VIP Chinese inmates in a converted guards room. Both of them have now been transferred to Khao Bin maximum-security prison. One is awaiting extradition to China while the other faces charges of forging official documents, that is ID cards.
Justice Minister Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruttapol Naowarat said the ministry’s Permanent Secretary and Director-General of the Department of Corrections today signed an order suspending Manop and the secretary to the prison director.
“This matter is being addressed based on the evidence, which affects the organisation’s image, and is not an internal political issue. Therefore, our Ministry of Justice places great importance on organising and expediting a straightforward investigation. I believe that clarity will continue to emerge,” he said.
Mr. Yutthana Nakruangsri, Corrections Department’s deputy director-general, said teams from Institute of Forensic Science and the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) went to the prison this morning and questioned witnesses.
They have sealed off the director’s offices and all related rooms for investigation.
Reporters said forensic officers and prison guards were busy moving large boxes of documents and files out of the director’s offices on the first and second floors all day. They were also busy collecting physical evidence.
Yellow tape has been used to block off the area around the prison director’s offices with fingerprints also collected from doors and windows.
Officials from the Revenue Department and a Cyber Police team participated in today’s investigation.
CAPTION:
Top and Front Page – Justice Minister Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruttapol Naowarat, left, and former director of Bangkok Remand Prison Mr. Manop Chomchuen, right, Photo – Amarin TV
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