Suan Plu Immigration Detention Center (IDC) is located on Soi Suan Plu,
Sathorn. Ask the taxi driver to take you to "Daw Maw" or "Suan Plu" and you
should have no trouble getting there. You can also take the Sky Train and
get off at Chong Nonsi station (S3) and walk down Soi Suan Plu to IDC
(about a 5-10 minute walk).
Visiting hours are Monday to Friday between 11am-12 noon. You need to
pick-up a Visitation Request Form from the desk next to the metal detector
at the security clearance station. The earlier you do this (between 9-11am)
the better as the forms are numbered for first come first serve basis. You
also need to have a copy of both the photo and visa portions of your passport.
When you fill out the Visitor Request Form you need to write down the name
of the prisoner you will visit, along with your relationship to the
prisoner - i.e. "friend" or "relative".
Wait in the waiting area till 11am, then go up to the security clearance
entrance and wait to hear your number called. You can bring food and
bottled water for the prisoners, but has to be in plastic bottles or
plastic bags. There's a 7-Eleven located across from the prison, where one
can buy basic foodstuffs. The staff there is well versed in what can or
can't be taken into the prison.
No metal or sharp objects allowed, no recording devices, no cameras, etc.
There are signs in both English and Thai stating what's allowed and what's
not allowed to be taken into the prison.
Once inside the prison area, you can go roam around as you wish. You're on
your own, as they say, unmonitored. The UNHCR has a branch office there if
one were to make inquiries regarding refugee cases.
