Prison bulging with narcotics offenders

PHUKET: More than half of the people currently incarcerated in Phuket’s overcrowded provincial prison have either been convicted of narcotics offenses or are awaiting trial on such charges. According to the latest statistics released by the prison, 636 people – more than half the total – are currently incarcerated on narcotics-related convictions or charges. Of these, 505 are men and 131 are women. In addition to the above, 206 people are locked up for cases relating to theft; 134 people for murder or attempted murder; 134 for illegal immigration; 12 for assault; 44 for sexual assault or prostitution; and 55 on other charges.