Jailhouse rock or just a comfy block? Police probe luxe prison stays

Provincial Police Region 7 launched an investigation into a hotel-style service provided to inmates at a prison in the central province of Samut Sakhon, following revelations from two former prisoners about their comfortable lives in jail.

The 26 year old male inmate A, and the 30 year old female inmate B, from Mueang Samut Sakhon Police Station, reached out to social media influencer Guntouch “Gun” Jompalang to expose alleged corruption among police officers in the province.

Former inmate B explained that she was no longer surprised by the overcrowding in Thai prisons, suggesting that inmates might actually have a better quality of life there. She speculated whether other prisons in Thailand offered similar corrupt services to those she experienced.

B disclosed that the prison at the police station was divided into two types: closed and open. She was placed in the open zone after informing the police that she had no money with her. She observed that the closed zone allowed inmates to have personal space, while the open zone was under constant surveillance by officers.

A Burmese inmate then approached B to explain the prison rules. She was puzzled as to why the Burmese prisoner seemed to take over some of the duties typically handled by the police but chose to ignore them.

As she spent more time in prison, B learned that money could buy a more comfortable life behind bars. A said that a mobile phone could be rented for 100 baht. The prisoner could use the device until 7am on the next day but had to keep it away from security cameras. A phone charger costs 30 baht per hour.

Kraton, ganja, cigarettes

Boiled water, instant noodles, and coffee were available for 50 to 100 baht. A selection of fruits was on offer. A comfortable bed and blanket could be rented for 100 baht, with someone provided to make the bed as if in a hotel.

Former male inmate A confirmed B’s account, stating that the male prison offered all the services she described. Kratom drinks, cigarettes, and even ganja could be ordered, with someone throwing these items into the prison through a window from outside the police station.

B stated that she made this information public because many of the inmates were Burmese nationals who entered and worked in Thailand illegally. The influx of Burmese workers was impacting businesses owned by Thai nationals.

In response to the issue, Provincial Police Region 7 and Mueang Samut Sakhon Police Station released an official statement on September 4. The officials acknowledged the problem and have formed a special committee to investigate the matter and keep the public updated with relevant details.