Drug offenders continue to fill prison

PHUKET: Of the 1,232 inmates at Phuket Provincial Prison, 622 have been convicted or are awaiting trial on drug-related charges, according to the latest statistics, released by prison officials on Thursday. A total of 488 men and 134 women are incarcerated in connection with narcotics offenses – more than half the prison population. Of the remaining prisoners, 220 are being held for theft, 143 for murder or attempted murder, 44 for sexual assault or prostitution, 20 for assault, 137 for illegal immigration and 46 for other offenses including weapons possession, forgery and arson.