Overcrowding is an understatement as 20 or more inmates sleep side by side in small concrete cells with a bare bulb shining all night long. An open shit hole in the corner which all the men use. Origionally built to hold a few thousand inmates, it now holds over 8000.

Click here for more information on Bangkwang Prison, The Royal Family, The Thai Religion, Contacting Prisoners, Care Packages, Financial Aid and more

Bangkwang Central Prison.
[Insert Prisoner Name]
[Insert Building Number]
117 Nonthaburi Road,
Nonthaburi Bangkok 11000, Thailand.

Click Here for information on Visiting a Prisoner

If you know of a prisoner who needs contact please contact us here and send us the Inmates Name, Country of Origin, Age, date of birth, sentence, crime, date of release, time served, and any other information relivent to their case.

Bangkok Bangkwang Prison (Northanburi) - Thailand

Update dated February 2008 BUILDING LOCATION NOT YET CONFIRMED Name Country Arrest/Sentence Age at Arrest Building Additional Information Brian F Cox UK   - - - Valentine Che Kgwa Unconfirmed         Dhan Bahadur Tamang Nepal Life Sentence 28/10/1970   - BUILDING NUMBER ONE Name Country Arrest/Sentence Age at Arrest Building Additional Information Toure Ibrahim Nigeria Death 11 Dec ? #1 Currently being transferred to another building. Rinus Parlevliet Holland - - #1   BUILDING NUMBER TWO Name Country Arrest/Sentence Age at Arrest Building Additional Information Julian Gilbey UK 19 Oct 01 Death sentence commuted to Life 35 2 31, English teacher from West Sussex. Robert Foley Australia Robert was extradited to Italy in October 2006. 7-10-1958 - more info Gary Graeme Jones British 50 Years drugs related offence 55 as of 12/2005 #2 Campaign Information May 2006: FPSS Contacted by Gary and asked to highlight his case Dec 2005: Reported as doing OK. He looked well and in good spirits as of 12/2005 - He is very focused on his appeal/legal Jaanus Möök Estonia Death 20.8.1968 #2 - Murder. Appeal rejected by Instant Court 30.7.04. Waiting for Supreme Court. Report as of Dec 2005 that the death sentence has been commuted to life imprisonment. Now it may be possible to get transfer into Estonian prison. Now Jaanus is waiting his transfer into estonian prison. Suleiman Korosia Ghana 40 Years 26/06/1958 #2 - Dicko Fadialan Mali [Africa] Life Born:1969 #2 Arrested in 1994 and received a life sentence Michael Adjei Musa Ghana Life 9/09/1960 #2 - Mohammed Awal Abu Ghana 50 Years 2/04/1975 #2 - Abdoulaye Keita Ghana 40 Years 3/09/1969 #2 - Alexander (Shani) Krebs South African 30 Years - #2 - Shani was arrested 26 April 1994, first to death which was commuted to life because of his guilty plea. Read more about his story here Financial assistance: Shani Alexander Krebs First National Bank, Park Meadows Branch, Johannesburg, South Africa Account # 62023929899 Ebenezer Adjei Anyetei Ghana Life/rd-40 39 Years Old # 2 Now Moved to KlongPrem prison Machiel Kuijt Holland Life 36 as of 2004 #2 More Info (released March 2007) Michiel Kuijt has been released from Bangkwang Thailand! He has arrived today [10 March 2007] via Frankfurt on a Lufthansa flight. He is the first Dutchman to be released via the exchange treaty between Thailand and the Netherlands. Michael Connell UK Life 19 as of 2004 #2 - Sentenced to Life in Thai Court 24/03/2004 - Moved to Bld#2 as of Sept 2004 More Info John Russell UK 50 years - #2 - Mohammed Balde Nigeria - - #2 - Abdallah Mohammed Ghana death sentence 3-may-65 #2 arrested 31 july 98 no contact & consular visits Paul Mbijiwe Nigeria - - #2 - Anthony Cosmas Nigeria - - #2 - Jay Camara Nigeria - - #2 - Alli Peppinno Tanzania - 32 year old #2 - Khaliq-u-zaman Pakistan 1 year served - #2 Click Here to read mothers plea Jasbir Singh Dogra India - - #2 - Eddie Tutin France - - #2 - Report received June 2005 that Eddie has passed away from cancer while still in prison. Shedrack Candy Obi Nigerian Life 12/July/63 #2 Arrested 25 December 1998. Sentenced 16 Feb 2002 to Life sentence. I was born 12 July 1963. I do not have any consular support except on rare official purposes. I would like a penpal and if possible, care packages and some financial support. I have no money and find life difficult. I would be thankful if you can help me a little. Even a letter will be appreciated. BUILDING NUMBER THREE Name Country Arrest/Sentence Age at Arrest Building Additional Information Chris Haywood Nigeria - 11-Aug-69 #3 6 years served as of 03/2004 - Moved from Block#5 July, 2004 Joe Kwame Yeboah Nigeria 37 Years - #3 - Brooker A Kabin Nigeria 8 Years served as at Feb 2006 - #3 - Has been reported that Consular access is very rare. Brooker would like pen pals, visits and any support possible. I do not have any consular support and no financial aid. I would like an english speaking penpal please, magazines, and writing paper if possible Douda Mohamed Nigeria 6 Years served as at Feb 2006 - #3 Arrested in 2000. I have no financial support or consular access. I would like a penpal and care packages if possible - toiletries, magazines and writing paper if possible. Adolf Fleisher Ghana 40 Years 28/05/1966 #3 Reported transfered to in Lard Yao building 4 Amorn Taengsamut Thailand - 32 year old #3 - Ja –er Sae Lee Thailand [Hmong]     #3   Pongsak Pubeku Thailand [Ahka]     #3   Worowood P.Yawong (Klong) Thailand [Lisu]     #3   Sinkhon No skul Thailand [Lisu]     #3   Boontuan Phangthong Thailand     #3   Yangkua Sae Song Thailand [Hmong]     #3   Christian Kretz France 50 Years - - - David Bramhall Australia 5 year as of 2006 - #3 Moved from Klong Prem Myohtun Burma     #3   Win Naing (Burma) Burma     #3 Information received march 2006 from inmates of Bangkwang that Win has transferred to another prison. Obi Titus Nigeria Death sentence - #5 Arrested 2002 Has received only 1 visitor in 4 years. Reads and writes english well. Christian. 16 October 2007 Obi Titus is now detained in Building 3 (Dan 3 - was formerly in Dan 5) at Bangkwang Prison, and has had his Death Sentence reduced to Life. Aung Aung James Myanmar [Burma] - 33 year old #3 - Norpha Naratsham Myanmar     #3 Shan State Seang Markmasin Myanmar     #3 Shan State Tao Kruetai Myanmar     #3 Shan State Emad Taha Jordan - - #3 - Teah Ah Liang Malaysia     #3   Yot Lee Cambodia     #3   Puskar KC Nepal   30/11/1973 #3 - Robin Gurung Nepal Arrested 5 Feb 05   #3   Bhakta Bahadur Limbu Nepal     #3   Jivan Thapa Nepal Life - 9 years served as of May 2002 - #3 Read Article BUILDING NUMBER FOUR Name Country Arrest/Sentence Age at Arrest Building Additional Information Albert Mensa Ghana 50 Years 24/12/1965 #4 Reported as now being in Lard Yao building 5 Johnathon Wheeler UK - - #4 - Juhen Tan Woon Hong (Micky) Singapore - 32 year old #4 - INFO: Micky was formerly a restaurant manager in Singapore and is a BIG Arsenal Football Club fan! He can write well in English. He is interested in keeping up to date with world news and likes to stick amusing magazine cut outs or cartoons on his letters. FPSS Member, Louise Gilmour [UK] has been writing to Micky for several years now and reports that Micky is hoping his application for a King's Pardon is successful. Micky has been moved at least twice during his incarceration. He would like people to write to him. The address of the prison is at the top of this page. Amadou Sow Gonakry Guinea Life Arrested 26 May 1995 48 4 - I was born 8 April 1958. My case concluded on 1 Nov 1995 and I am serving a life sentence. I do not have any consular support and so my life is very difficult but I hope people will write to me and send care packages. I have nothing in this world except my life. I hope that you will help me. BUILDING NUMBER FIVE Name Country Arrest/Sentence Age at Arrest Building Additional Information Anthony Flanaghan British Death Row - #5 17 May 2007 Update - Tony had his death sentence knocked down to 33 years. So he is now on the treadmill for getting it reduced bit by bit. He is now in building #4 and has his shackles off. He is in good health and spirits. He is happy if people would write to him and is easy to write to. Sauoda Mohamed Ghana - - #5 - Gordon Koschwitz Germany Chiang Mai, 11 October 2004 Death Row. 33 #5 Allegedly killed a drug-dependant Swiss citizen Raphael Bauman [33]. read more Om Bahadur Gurung Nepal       Reported as Moved to Bld 4 around Dec 2006 Lian Yang Holland [Rotterdam] Death Row   #5 Chinese origin Edy Tang Holland [Rotterdam] Death Row   #5 Chinese origin BUILDING NUMBER SIX Name Country Arrest/Sentence Age at Arrest Building Additional Information Alan Kiernan British 50 Years drugs related offence 36 as of 12/2005 #6 Been in BK for 9 weeks as of 12/2005 Click Here for More Information Francis William Ghana Life - #5 Released as at 2007 Update Nov 2007 Mike Junge Mike returned from another visit to Bang Kwang Prison [Nov 2007]. He reports that since his last visit [a year ago] the prison store has undergone some changes. You can walk into it, pick out items for the prisoner yourself and then you can buy the clear bags at the counter to put the prisoner's name and building number on it. The selection was not great but it seems like it was better than what it was before. There is also a "cafeteria" of sorts. There is also a place where visitors can register (which is across the street from the Visitor's entrance]. Visitors walk in there pass the rows of chairs and at the front is the table where visitor forms can be collected. Visitors fill out the form and then take it to the enclosed desk next to the store. When a visitor pass is ready they will call you over the loudspeaker. Listen carefully. Mike was hoping to see Francis William again to see how he was doing. He said the guard told him that Francis was released ["he go home"]. Mike assumed that means he went back to Ghana/Nigeria. It is what he wanted so that he could be closer to his family after about 11 years in Bang Kwang. Mike then tried to see a different prisoner but wasn't allowed because they only permit family. * FPSS would like to thank Mike Junge for the terrific update he provided. Mr. Peter Allan Australian life 29 y/old #6 More Info My name is Peter Allan. I am a 29 year old Australian, currently serving a life sentence here in Bangkwang Prison Thailand for the possession of Drugs. My life here is not easy as I am cut off from my family and friends and loved ones. I enjoy receiving letters and writing to people. I would like to hear from anybody who has any interest in writing to me or visiting me at the prison itself. I enjoy quite walks on deserted beaches, bad comedy and I am an Aquarius looking to meet similar minded people who are into romantic interludes with prisoners or spanking. I am quite open minded and will try most anything that does not involve midgets or Elvis impersonators. Steve Bristow Brit 26.5 42 y/old Block 6 see note below Hi, my name is Steve Bristow. I'm a 42 year old brit. Who has been living in this part of the world for around 15 years I'm serving a 26 ½ year stretch for ecstasy and Ganja and am nearly 3 years in ( Though I feel like I've done the whole stretch already) .Before I was collard, I was a commercial diver working in the oil business and salvage- projects. I am single and will probably be staying that way for at least the next 20 years. My interests include Music, reading, escapology and living life to the full.I would love to hear from anyone who would like to write to me and I promise a reply to every letter. I would also appreciate any visits as my own family and friends are back in the UK. Please feel free to contact me Cheers. Samai Thoya Thai Life 42 y/old Block 6 see note below Hello, my name is Samai Thoya aged 42. I am serving a life sentence for drugs. I am Thai, but I am presently learning English and can read and write. I would like to become Pen friends with any English speakers in order to improve my own English and also would welcome any visits to me here in Bangkwang. I enjoy playing Takraw and other sports. I am from Chiang Mai in the North of Thailand, but I intend to travel the world when I have won my appeal that I am now waiting for. Felix Chermnykh Russia Life 34 y/old Block 6 see note below Hello, my name is Felix Chermnykh. I am 34 years old and from Russia, sentenced to life imprisonment for a bank Robbery. My interests are artwork and drawing. With no family or friends in Thailand, I would welcome any Pen Pals or visitors. Donations of any kind of art material would be especially welcome, because we are unable to buy them inside the prison. Michael Pauli Poland Life 35 y/old as at 2006 Block 6 He's fighting his case and was arrested in March, 2004 He'd appreciate English speaking pen pals. My name is Michael Pauli, I'am 35 years old from Poland. I have a drug case; I was entrapped by the DEA and sentenced to 12 death sentences, finally reduced to a life sentence. I am here 2 years now. Back in Poland I was a ceramic artist. Any Pen Pals or visitors would be most welcome. Soepaing Tinsoe Burma 49 36 y/old Block 6 Case Information My name is Soepaing Tinsoe. I am 36 years old and am from Myanmar ( (Burma). I've been here in Thai prison for 9 years now and still have to serve 40 more years for smuggling drugs (amphetamine). I am interested for visits and writing letters. Basharat Ali Pakistan life in 2000 - #6 Consular Support is provided on rare occasions. "I would like English speaking penpals and care packages if possible. I have never had a penpal before". Marinus H. Parlevliet The Hague Life 52Y/Old as of 2005 #6 Click Here for more Info Liaquad Ali pakistan serving life 8 years served as of july, 2005 36 years old as of july 2005 #6 M. A. Mendis Sri Lankan sentenced 40 years Arrested 1995 #6 Anthony Addison Ghana Life-11 yrs served as of 2004 23/12/1962 #6 Would apreciate help in contacting his embassy & bringing in groceries. Click Here to Sign Petition Vahid Jannati Canada Life 30 #6 Has been fighting his case for 5 years as of Jan 2004 Adrian Van Ommering Canada/Holland Life #6 Dual Citizenship. 6 years served as of 2006 Wangel Ghale Nepal Life - #6 17 years served as of May 2002 Sing B Tamang Nepal Life - #6 9 years served as of May 2002 Scott Hurford UK 30 Years 32 Years old (as of 2006) #6 Case Information Santhosh Gurung Nepal 34 years - #6 17 years served as of May 2002 Mangal Gurung Nepal 25 years - #6 10 years served as of May 2002 Puskar KC (Nima) Nepal 50 years - #6 9 years served as of May 2002 Ram Bahadur Lama Nepal 33 years - #6 6 years served as of May 2002 Raj Kumar Gurung Nepal 25 years - #6 10 years served as of May 2002 Raj Gurung Nepal 40 years - #6 11 years served as of May 2002 Robin Gurung Nepal Life - #6 2 years served as of May 2002 Om B Gurung Nepal 2 years served as of May 2002 - #6 - Lok B Tamang Nepal Life - #6 2 years served as of May 2002 Man Ghaley Nepal 25 years - 10 years served as of May 2002 - #6 - Iman Gurung Nepal Life - 9 years served as of May 2002 - #6 - Nuree Sherpa Nepal Life - 9 years served as of May 2002 - #6 Now transfered to Lard Yao building 5 Gaman Gurung Nepal 25 years - 10 years served as of May 2002 - #6 - Francis Moyahap Nigeria - 28 year old #6 - Emeka Mozie Nigeria Arrested 22 Nov 02/sentenced LIFE 32 #6 7 yrs served as of 2003 Reported as being released in Transfer treaty March 2003 Hans Zegers Holland Life 38 #6 - Abdul Rani Othman Malaysia Life - from 1999 30 Y/Old #6 Rani, 31, lawyer and speaks English. Andrew Hawke UK 50-years - Building #6 Case Information Andrew, from London, is currently serving a 50-year sentence after being arrested in 1998 for smuggling 800 grams of heroin. He knows his actions were foolish and deeply regrets doing this. At the time, Andrew acted in a moment of desperation. He was financially and emotionally ruined and homeless. He made his decision to smuggle heroin after an offer in a pub in Amsterdam. Case Information David Bramhall Australian - - Building 6 - Dieter Wittner Germany - - #6 Reported as of 1/1/2005 as being released Bobby Halliwell Australia Life - #6   Brent Stirling Scotland Paroled - Block 6 Click Here for Prison Note Chandra Kumar Rai Nepal Arrested 1993 and sentenced to life 32 #6 Read Article Steve Willcox UK Arrested April 2003/Sentenced 33 years on 1 Nov 04 40 #6 Steve is married with a young son. Click Here for Case Information BUILDING NUMBER TEN Name Country Arrest/Sentence Age at Arrest Building Additional Information Morgan Andy Joe Nigeria - 31/12/1965 #10 In Solitary BUILDING NUMBER TWELVE Name Country Arrest/Sentence Age at Arrest Building Additional Information Jagnathan Samynathan Malaysian Life (reduced to 40 years) 32 year old #12 Case Information Jaganathan S is in fact Jack Jaganathan. He is a very gentle giving soul. He is in building 12 and has visiting days on Wednesdays and Fridays. His sentence has been reduced to 40 years. Until now he has received no visitors.. Jody Ryan Aggett British Life 25 y/old at time of arrest #12 Case Information Jody was sentenced in March 2003 to death plus 20 years, which was later commuted to life imprisonment. Jody has always maintained his innocence as has his Thai girlfriend who was arrested and charged with him. Together they have a small child who was born in prison and is now in the care of Jody's parents. Click Here for more information on Jody's case - Kristin [Jody's girlfriend] case informaiton Chuchart Taveaperadesunty Thai/Chinese 40 years in 1994 - #12 - Consular support is not provided ever. "I have no consular support and I have never had a single visitor. Please write to me and help me to endure my fate. I would very much like penpals and care parcels if this is possible. I have no money or support so I am grateful for anyone who will help me survive. Previously Listed Inmates Who Have Now Been Released

Important things to know when supporting a prisoner in Thailand

The Thai Monarchy

Absolutely NEVER criticize King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand. The fact that it is against the law to criticize the royal family is irrelevant. In a political system rife with corruption and skullduggery, the King is one public figure everyone trusts. Read more here: http://www.thaimain.org/eng/monarchy/family.html

Thai Religion and Thai Society

Buddhism isn't just a dominant religion, but the outlook, the moral philosophy and the way of life in the Thai kingdom renowned as the Land of Smiles. It is true that a number of missionaries operate legally in Thailand but we would hope that you do not use the prisoners to further your own religious aims. The last thing they need is anyone's judgements, no matter how well intended. You must also respect the fact that Thais are passionate about their religion and you should observe these customs whenever you visit are prisoner. Keep in mind that Thais regard the Lord Buddha side-by-side with their beloved King and the royal family with respect bordering on awe. Read more here: http://www.th4u.com/religion.htm

Contacting Embassy Officials

On occasion you might want to express your concerns for the welfare of prisoners to Embassy Officials responsible for their consular support. Or you may wish to request support on behalf of a prisoner who has no support. You must remember that diplomacy will yield far greater results than an aggressive or emotive appeal. It is a difficult position that Consular Staff are subjected to; and we know that many of these cases are complicated. Please do not be disrespectful at any time because it will not help those detained. Rather, you should simply write to introduce yourself, state your concern, and appeal to the Consular Staff in a respectful and compassionate manner. Click for List of Foreign Embassies in Thailand

Sending Letters

Letters can be sent directly to prisoners, and should be addressed in the following format: Bangkwang Central Prison. [Insert Prisoner Name] [Insert Building Number] 117 Nonthaburi Road, Nonthaburi Bangkok 11000, Thailand. Q. Can I send an International Postage Coupon? A. No. The guards have stated that they do not know what to do with these. The prisoners have advised against sending them. Q. Do I send by registered mail? A.Yes, A registered letter must be opened only by the prisoner. A few simple rules to writing letters: 1. When writing always be polite. Introduce yourself and explain why you have decided to support a prisoner. Don't judge them because they have already been judged far more harshly than any western prison might judge them. 2. Always write your letters on the basis that the prison authorities will read your letter. You don't want to write anything that will cause problems for the prisoner. Offer positive support and avoid being negative. Their lives are filled with daily horrors you could never imagine if you have not walked in their shoes. 3. Show respect for the country's constitution and judicial procedures, and to demonstrate an understanding of current difficulties. This will give more scope to point out ways in which the human rights situation can be improved. 4. If you wish to write an appeal or sign onto a petition to help the prisoner, be clear in what you are requesting. You should never make 'demands' on the Government. Remember that everything you do and say can affect the prisoner. So be cautious. 5. Never use political jargon. Don't give the impression that you are writing because you are ideologically or politically opposed to the government in question. It is far more effective to stress the fact that your concern for human rights is not politically based in any way, but in keeping with basic principles of international law. 6. If you have any special interest or link with the country, it is a good idea to mention this in your letter. For instance, you may have visited it or studied its history. 7. Describe the level of support you are willing to provide the prisoner and if you might visit them at some time in the future. 8. Let me know that you were made aware of their plight through the Foreign Prisoner Support Service. Often it is a little daunting to get a letter from a complete stranger and not knowing how they came by your information. FPSS has a good reputation in the Thai Prison system so you will automatically put their mind at ease. 9. If you have any concerns that the prisoner will have access to your private address then you might want to secure a PO Box. Otherwise, don't be overly concerned as most prisoners in Bang Kwang are serving life sentences. 10. Feedback is important. So please let us know if you do make contact and how it all goes. Thank you!

Care Packages

Purchases at the Prison If you are visiting Bang Kwang prison then you have the option of purchasing food and toiletries from the prison shop after your visit. It will be given to the prisoner. No cigarettes are allowed from outside. Sending Care Packages from Overseas We advise you to establish regular contact with the prisoner before sending any care packages. From time to time the rules at the prison may change. If you are sending items from overseas, then we have compiled the following list. Remember to itemize each item in your letter so that the prisoner can take appropriate actions when items are not included. All items must be sealed. 1. Toothpaste 2. Soap 3. Talcum Powder 4. Laundry powder [Tip: Sard soap bar is lighter.] 5. Shampoo & Conditioner 6. Toothbrush 7. Moisturizers [Tip: sachets] 8. Tinea Cream 9. Dettol 10. Savlon 11. Chap sticks [dry lips] 12 Cracked heal cream [Tip: sachets] 13. Bandaids 14. Cotton Buds 15. Wet ones [refresher towels] 16. Mosquito coils & Repellent [RID] 17. Oil of Cloves [toothache] 18. Cold Sore Cream 19. Chux wipes 20. Dental Floss 21. Writing materials [pencil/envelope/paper] 22. Reading material 23. Magazines, books, board games but no playing cards 24. Postcard from home 25. Rubber Thongs 26. Ear Plugs 27. Hair brush 28. Cavat [temporary tooth filling] 29. Hat 30. Plain t-shirts [Large]

Financial Support to Prisoners

We advise you to establish regular contact with the prisoner before sending any financial support. From time to time the rules at the prison may change. It is extremely difficult for prisoners, particularly, foreigners, to survive these conditions in the medium to long term without financial support. Those who are very lucky and have access to money usually maintain a modest prison account to purchase basic essentials. Do prisoners earn a salary in Prison? If they are lucky they might be able to work but they do not get paid a salary. The system is a barter system. Some resort to washing clothes of other prisoners in exchange for food and/or cigarettes. How much should I send? The equivalent of US$30 is the minimum requirement to purchase basic food supplies. Never send money [cash] in the mail. It is against the law and will be confiscated. How do I send money and what currency? We recommend postal money orders be sent by registered post to the prisoner AND in the currency of THAI BAHT [Local currency]. How will the prisoner get the money order cashed? The prisoner can successfully request the guard to cash the funds for him which guards are willing to do because they understand that these foreigners have no consular support. Can I directly deposit money into the prison account? Only if you are visiting in person can you do this. Visitors may make direct deposits at the prison's main office. Tell the guards you want to deposit money. You will be directed to the Bank where you can make your deposit(s) while waiting to visit the detainee. Financial Support The British Government is happy to process money sent to British nationals in prison overseas. However, their overseas missions do not have the resources to deal with the increasing number of requests of this nature. If you wish to send money to a British National who is in detention overseas, you should contact the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) in London and ask to speak to the Consular Desk Officer responsible for the country in which the British National is held. The Desk Officer will then be able to advise you on how to send funds, or how you might offer other support. The telephone number for the FCO is 020 7008 1500. Alternatively you can write to: Desk Officer for [insert name of country] Consular Directorate Foreign & Commonwealth Office Old Admiralty Building Spring Gardens London SW1A 2PA What financial support does the Foreign Embassy provide? Some nations provide minimal financial support for their nationals in accordance with 'Prisoner Loan Scheme'. Others offer nothing at all. Countries like Australia provide prisoners financial support under the Prisoner Loan Scheme but this can not be obtained to cover legal costs or bail. Loans must be repaid after the detainee is released from prison. You should ask the prisoner if their country provides this type of support and if not, you might otherwise offer to assist them.

More Information on Bangkwang Prison

VISITING A PRISONER

BANGKWANG PRISON - April 16, 2007 Important notice - visitation Dear FPSS members, For some weeks now, only family members have been able to visit prisoners in Bang Kwang Prison. This rule also covers people who are regular visitors to the prison. A group of ladies visit British prisoners every week and they too have been denied access. Several FPSS members have reported that they too have been turned away. We have brought this problem to the attention of Embassy consul staff and hope they might be able to lodge a diplomatic letter of concern at an appropriate time. The changes to the normal visitation rights have resulted with the change of Prison director staff. At this stage, these changes only apply to Bangkwang Prison. We hope that our members will formalise an official letter of concern to their respective members of parliament and Embassy Posts in Thailand. Ask them to make representations to the Thai Government, as it is inconceivable to cancel much needed support when family members cannot afford to travel to and fro to visit their loved ones. They rely heavily on others passing through Thailand, who give much needed assistance to their loved ones and the prisoners' themselves, are encouraged by this support. We will endeavour to keep you informed as information comes to hand. If anyone in Thailand has further information then please let us know so that we can continue to monitor this matter. regards, FPSS Admin Update Bangkwang Prison - 30 March 2007 Important message to visitors at Bangkwang Prison. FPSS have been informed that only family are being permitted to visit prisoners in Bangkwang Prison. This is devestating news for those prisoners whose families are unable to meet the exhorbitant costs of travelling to Thailand; and for those who are without any family support. We wish to advise our members that, upon advice from the prisoners, visitors should say that they are a cousin so that they will be allowed to visit. No proof is necessary. From Banglampoo Pier (Khao San) take the big whistling boat going upstream (to the right). It costs 6 Baht to Nonthaburi and takes 40 minutes. Nonthaburi is the last stop and you will recognize it by the white clock tower by the pier and the AMPM convenience store. Jump off the boat and walk straight on - ignore the touts! Take the 1st left and walk about 250 meters. You will see Bang Kwang prison on the right. You will need to go to the registration area on the left… Show your passport and tell them who you want to see. (Contact your embassy to find out who is where). Cross over to the prison, show your slip and get searched – no cameras allowed. You can buy food and toiletries at the prison shop after your visit and it will be given to your new friend. Food or books are welcome from outside, but no cigarettes. If you bring food from outside put it in a large clear bag. You can buy bags at the registration area cafe for 2 Baht. Write the name of the prisoner you are visiting on the bag. After you have visited the prisoner, you have to hand the food in at the counter (where 100 people or so hang around!). You hand in the original form and your passport. Wait for your passport to come back (usually takes 10 minutes) and off you go. If you want to bring mags, books or papers hand them into the Foreign Affairs office on the right as you go into the prison area. Leave the prisoner's name and building number on the cover and they'll get them… Don't bring magazines with too many naked pictures in them though - they won't get through. Other info: Please be aware that the prisoners sometimes have family or friends visiting. Look in the registration book to see if someone has already called out the prisoner you are visiting. It's very frustrating for prisoners when they have people they know over and someone randomly chooses to visit them! Beware that in August and December this may occur more often because that's when contact visits take place and families come over… Be very careful at these times. Very few women get visitors and have to rely on missionaries. Women & men should both wear "respectable" clothes. – legs and shoulders covered. Opening times are Bldgs #1-3, Mon, Wed; Bldg #4-6, Tues, Thurs. Register by 9am for the 9:30-11:30am slot and by 1:00pm for the 1:30-3pm slot. Never get demanding with the officials. Neither you nor the prisoners have any rights. Smile and be nice and you’ll get much further.