Bangkok prison boss removed over VVIP treatment of Chinese detainees

The Corrections Department has transferred the director of the Bangkok Remand Prison, after a raid uncovered excessive privileges being granted to powerful Chinese detainees, including prohibited electrical appliances, luxury amenities and even regular visits from women.

In a statement issued on November 19, the department said more than 14 prison officers, allegedly involved in the allegations, are to be the subjects of a full disciplinary inquiry.

The action followed a surprise raid that revealed Chinese inmates were given access to microwaves and air-conditioners, electric kettles and more.

An initial investigation revealed that the group of Chinese detainees had been allowed visits from ‘model-like’ women, reportedly brought in from China.

The investigation began after Thai inmates filed complaints, alleging that Chinese detainees at Bangkok Remand Prison enjoyed preferential treatment.

The Corrections Department initially dispatched an inspection team, but early searches turned up nothing, leading officials to suspect that information had leaked ahead of the raids.

On November 16, an unannounced raid was carried out and found large quantities of electrical appliances in three zones housing Chinese inmates, along with prohibited items such as knives and lighters. The presence of lighters indicated that inmates had been smoking inside the facility.

The raid also found evidence that donated items were being diverted for use by the Chinese group before being formally distributed.

The department has now appointed a panel, headed by a deputy director-general, to question all officers involved in supervising the Chinese inmates.

Additional information suggests that certain Chinese inmates had used money to hire Thai inmates who spoke some Chinese to serve them.

The prison’s director, Manop Chomchuen, who has been reassigned to an inspector-general post, previously served in several key positions within the Corrections Department, including as director of prisons in Buri Ram, Samut Sakhon and Samut Prakan.