The Prison Conditions

Bangkwang Prison is not a luxury hotel as it is often referred to as 'The Bangkok Hilton'. The Thai Authorities have also continued to improve the conditions of the prison since those early days as described in the Warren Fellows book 'Damage Done'. Overcrowding is still a problem in the main stream areas. Bang Kwang's original capacity was approximately 4,000 inmates, however, currently there are 8,000 inmates. Prisoners were originally detained 14 hours in these types of units of confinement each day, although many are now permitted outside for extended exercise periods.

Cell sizes - Cells are generally 6 m x 4 m and contain twenty to thirty inmates. They sleep on the concrete floor [on mats], side by side. Each cell has an open asian style toilet. Some foreigners are able to secure better conditions, those who have access to Embassy and financial support.

Food generally the prison diet consists of one meal a day of red rice and fish head soup devoid of vegetables or meat. According to prisoners, it isn't very appetising but for those who have no support, it is at least, a meal. There is a store in the prison where prisoners with money can purchase fresh fruit and vegetables and other items.

Water - drinking water is available although the standard of filtration is questionable by comparrison to western standards.

Medical care - Prisoners are provided access to the prison hospital.

Besides the overcrowding, insufficient food or poor diet leads to many cases of malnutrition, semi-starvation or even death. The lack of good quality and quantity of food and water is a cause for many easily transferable diseases, which can be very dangerous, especially in overcrowded prisons. In addition, torture weakens a prisoner and because of the failure to protect inmates from sexual abuse by other inmates or guards, HIV/AIDS a common disease in many prisons and appears in a much higher rate in prisons than outside. The consequence of all these factors, separately or combined, is a high rate of people with diseases and/or illnesses. With more illnesses in prisons, more medical care is needed. However, although the Central Prison Hospital staff is dedicated, they are extremely under funded. They receive per patient per year, less than US$ 5. Many prisoners are ill. TB and HIV are rife. The medical care budget is grossly inadequate. The prison hospital is understaffed and under stocked. There is no dental care and most of the older prisoners' teeth have long since rotted.

Visiting the Prison

ONLY FAMILY MEMBERS ARE PERMITTED VISITS UNLESS OTHER ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE IN ADVANCE.

Recommendation: If you intend to visit Thailand, you should write to the prisoner you wish to visit prior to your arrival and check with them the current arrangements for visitation.

When you plan to visit the prison make sure you are dressed appropriately. Men should wear long trousers and a t-shirt. Women should wear respectable clothing, not skimpy attire. No cameras are allowed inside the prison, nor valuables, mobile phones etc.. Best you leave your jewellry and valuables back in your hotel safe before visiting the prison.

When visiting Bang Kwang prison all visitors used to shout across a large screen of wire mesh. Nowadays, the Thai authorities have greatly improved the visiting area. They have telephones with a glass partition on the visitor's side. There is a sign that says Visitors. Once you go inside the corridor, just beyond the prison store where you can purchase food items for prisoners, you come to an area marked 'visitors'.

Fill out the visitor request form including the name of the prisoner and their building number;
Stamp the copy of your passport with the red stamper available on the desk (they will photocopy for a couple of baht);
Be sure you have filled out the form correctly and then give it to the reception;

Monday and Tuesdays are usually busy visiting days as it is the first visit after the weekend. If you can delay your visit till later in the week then it is advisable. Official Missionaries are also allowed to visit 5-7 prisoners at once so some prisoners use that as an excuse to at least get to see the "outside". Thai prisoners are visited on the right side building and foreign prisoners are on the left side building. If you want to give a prisoner something then you need to take it in with you because you won't be able to leave and come back. You can buy items at any time from the little prison shop.

Visiting a prisoner can be an unforgettable and surprisingly moving experience. Use common sense and make sure when you are dealing with the prison officials, you are respectful at all times.

Getting There:

Take the northbound river taxi (the long one with the stripe) from Pra Athit Pier to the end of the line in Nonthaburi (Bt6-15). Walk up the road, take the first left and continue to the Visitor Centre on your left. Show your passport and tell them who you want to see. Cross over to the prison. Your belongings are checked then you pass through a gate. You will be directed to wait at a fenced gallery.

Visiting Times:

Building #1-3, Mon, Wed;
Building #4-6, Tues, Thurs.
Register by 9am for the 9:30-11:30am slot and by 1:00pm for the 1:30-2:30pm.

The FPSS does not actually arrange visits to prisoners, but we can tell you how to go about it, and may be answer any questions that you may have.