Bangkok Remand Prison opens for Media Visit
BANGKOK, 14 July 2019 (NNT) - The Department of Corrections today opened Bangkok Remand Prison for a media visit, to demonstrate the lack VIP treatment of certain inmates as claimed by a political activist.
Members of the media were invited to observe facilities and the daily life of inmates in Bangkok Remand Prison, visiting inmates bedrooms some have claimed are VIP rooms. These sleeping cells actually have three blankets provided for each inmate to use as bedding, roll into a pillow, and for covering themselves. Members of the media then visited the prison’s kitchen. The media trip was intended to ensure transparency, and demonstrate that there is no preferential treatment for any inmate.
During the visit, former politician and former inmate at Bangkok Remand Prison Chuwit Kamolvisit confirmed with the media there was no VIP room in the prison, saying that the rumor circulating may have resulted from misunderstanding inmates who serve time in the prison for only a few months.
The Department of Corrections Director General, Naras Savestanan has assured the public that there is no VIP ward inside the prison, and the prison has never allow any birthday party to take place. The incident mentioned in rumors however, was supposed to be a lunch offered to all inmates by a host who submitted a request on paper to the prison. The department later discovered that the person who submitted the request was not the real host of the lunch.
On the photo of an inmate convicted of a drug related case, Keng Laiprang with a birthday cake which is currently in circulation, the Department of Corrections has confirmed the cake in the picture was produced in the prison, and was ordered by the inmate’s relatives. The photo was taken to inform inmate’s relatives that the cake ordered had been delivered.
As for the picture of Sondhi Limthongkul, an inmate at Bangkok Remand Prison, visiting at the Police General Hospital, the department has confirmed the inmate has yet to be released and will have to continue serving his time in prison for many more years; however he was allowed to visit specialized doctors at the Police General Hospital by appointment, and under the supervision of police doctors. The picture also shows Mr Sondhi wearing Department of Corrections’ attire, and being escorted by the department’s officials.
National News Bureau Of Thailand
