Behind bars and under fire: Thailand’s prisons slammed for slow reform
Thailand’s prison system is under fresh international scrutiny, with human rights organisations condemning the country’s slow progress in reforming its outdated and overcrowded facilities.
According to last year’s annual report by the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the Union for Civil Liberty (UCL), Thailand’s efforts to adopt alternative measures to incarceration have been insufficient, and critical changes remain stalled.
The 59-page report highlights that despite ongoing concerns of overcrowding, no significant strides have been made to implement regulations allowing certain inmates to serve sentences outside of prison.
Furthermore, discussions about detaining suspects in locations other than prisons have also seen little progress.
The United Nations (UN) echoed these concerns late last year, with the Committee Against Torture and the Working Group on Discrimination against Women and Girls both raising prison overcrowding as a significant issue.
“Thai authorities are aware of the severe overcrowding that plagues the prison system, but have dragged their feet over adopting effective solutions, said FIDH Vice-President Fatia Maulidiyanti.
“The recent tougher drug policies will likely increase incarceration rates. The government must implement alternative measures in line with international standards without delay.”
In 2024, Thailand’s prison population continued to rise for the second consecutive year, exceeding the official maximum capacity by 12%. A staggering 71% of the country’s 143 correctional facilities were operating beyond their intended capacity.
Additionally, the number of inmates sentenced to death increased to its highest level since 2020, with 364 prisoners under the death penalty.
Drug-related offences still account for a significant portion of the prison population, comprising 73% of all inmates, despite a slight decline in drug-related convictions for the third consecutive year.
Subpar conditions
Conditions within Thai prisons have remained substandard, according to testimonies from inmates.
Human rights violations continue to plague the system, with overcrowded cells, inadequate medical care, poor food quality, and unfair labour practices. Transgender women also face discrimination and lack proper protection.
Furthermore, prisoners reported insufficient access to basic hygiene products, water, and recreational activities, with complaints often ignored and feared retaliation against those who speak out.
The death of detained human rights defender Netiporn Sanesangkhom (aka Bung) on May 14 last year due to inadequate medical care highlighted the severe consequences of the prison system’s failure to respond to medical emergencies.
Despite these issues, there were some positive developments in 2024, such as the provision of bras, underwear, and menstrual hygiene products for female inmates. However, the supply of sanitary pads remains inconsistent, depending on the facility.
FIDH-UCL’s fourth annual prison report remains the most comprehensive independent assessment of Thailand’s prison conditions.
The report urges the Thai government to adopt practical reforms in line with international human rights standards to address the pressing issues within the country’s overcrowded and underfunded prison system, reported FIDH.
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