Bangkok: A committee has been established to investigate the former commander of the Bangkok Special Prison and over 10 prison guards for allegedly providing benefits to Chinese VIP inmates. The Department of Corrections initiated the investigation after a raid uncovered a microwave, kettle, electrical appliances, and numerous sharp objects that the inmates claimed were donated and used. A model was also reported to have visited the prison.
According to Thai News Agency, the Ministry of Justice ordered the transfer of the Bangkok Remand Prison Commander following the raid, which revealed wrongdoing by officers in the control and treatment of inmates. The Department of Corrections issued a press release confirming that the raid exposed misconduct among officers, leading to their transfer, including the prison commander, to the Department of Corrections. The Inspector General of the Department, along with officers from the Correctional Science Division and Human Resources Management Division, was assigned to thoroughly investigate all issues to ensure compliance with operational standards. A preliminary investigation showed that some Chinese inmates were exercising influence over others, causing dissatisfaction among Thai inmates, which prompted a tip-off to the Department of Corrections.
The Department of Corrections has expedited the fact-finding process and is implementing prison management reforms in line with the “Five Steps to Change” policy, focusing on transparency, fairness, and strict regulation adherence. The Department is prepared to take disciplinary action against those involved if wrongdoing is confirmed, to uphold the standards of correctional administration trusted by the public.
News reports indicate that a complaint was filed by a Thai prisoner, alleging that officials were providing special benefits to Chinese inmates. The report found that Chinese inmates at the Bangkok Remand Prison enjoyed privileges not available to others, such as microwaves, air conditioners, and kettles. They were also frequently visited by model-like women. Upon receiving this information, the Department of Corrections dispatched a task force to investigate, but leaks often preceded searches. Recently, a special task force conducted a raid, uncovering various amenities and electrical appliances at three prisons housing Chinese inmates. Prohibited items such as sharp objects and lighters, indicating smoking inside, were also found. Following these discoveries, more than 14 guards were transferred alongside the prison commander.
In response to the amenities found in the Chinese mafia prison cell, it was reported that they were marked as donated items, requiring authorization for use. The prison also faced challenges verifying the kinship of foreign women visitors, as they were foreigners allowed to visit.
The Director-General of the Department of Corrections has ordered the establishment of a committee, led by the Deputy Director-General, to investigate the Bangkok Remand Prison and question all officials involved with the Chinese mafia group, starting Monday, November 24th. Prohibited items have been ordered removed, and stricter enforcement measures implemented. The prison houses three units for the Chinese mafia group, with reports indicating that Chinese mafia inmates have paid Thai prisoners who speak some Chinese to provide care. These units are divided, with leaders housed together and subordinates separately.
Mr. Manop Chomchuen, the former Commander of the Bangkok Special Prison, was transferred as an Inspector General following the incident. His career included appointments to the Department of Corrections, Bureau of Justice Affairs, Ministry of Justice, and roles as Secretary-General of the Department of Corrections and Commander of several provincial prisons, including the key Bangkok Special Prison.