Thailand

Thai government considers expanding Bangkok prisons due to many visitors supporting political prisoners

Published

Thursday, March 11, 2021 12:11

Photo via Thai Lawyers for Human Rights

With a number of people facing charges related to their involvement in political protests, the Thai government is looking into expanding prisons to help reduce overcrowding, particularly for visits. Thailand’s justice minister Somsak Thepsuthin told reporters that Bangkok Remand Prison and Klong Prem Central Prison are becoming congested with families and other people who visit the prisons to support the political prisoners.

Since the major pro-democracy rally last July, kicking off the youth-led movement pushing for monarchy reform, at least 382 people have faced charges related to the demonstrations or political comments they made online, according to the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights. Out of the hundreds facing charges, 13 are minors, the group says.

At least 60 people are facing charges under Section 112 of Thailand’s Criminal Code, the organisation says. Section 112 is the lèse majesté law. It carries a punishment of up to 15 years in prison for insulting the Thai Monarchy.

With many coming by the prisons to support the incarcerated activists, Somsak says the government is looking into making more room. He said there will not be a new prison for political prisoners and everyone will be treated equally.

“We are discussing finding a larger area that can accommodate more people for everyone’s convenience.”

SOURCES: Associated Press| Thai Lawyers for Human Rights

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6 Comments

B.T.

Thursday, March 11, 2021 at 1:30 pm

Next tourist attraction from military government.

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Mister Stretch

Thursday, March 11, 2021 at 3:22 pm

Yeah, to solve the problem of too many political prisoners…build more prisons, don’t change your policies that create more protests and more protest arrests.

You have got to hand it to them, they’re consistent in their stupidity.

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Pedro

Thursday, March 11, 2021 at 3:38 pm

There is a simple solution. Those people whose detention is politically motivated, should be set them free. Overcrowding problem solved. By keeping political prisoners in the 21st century, and using the the courts to do its dirty work in ordering their detention, this Government showcases to the world what a backwards thinking and repressive outfit it actually is. You know what will happen at the next election? Prayut and co will be voted out, and within 6 months the Military will stage a coup and put him back in.

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Ynwaps

Friday, March 12, 2021 at 12:00 am

Looks like the guards are letting the families too close to the prisoners. The military needs to step in and set up some barriers. This is outrageous that these lawbreakers are not being punished like the other drug mules.

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J West

Friday, March 12, 2021 at 2:27 pm

A sign of an expanding industry is great news for the Thai economy. Perhaps prisoners could be used as cheap labor in the marine industry or golf course greening to stop the hiring of illegals. Seriously….no . And yes, more prisons are not the answer. If they were the USA would be crime free.

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Ynwaps

Friday, March 12, 2021 at 11:39 pm

I’ll leave this country after covid for good

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