Bangkok VIP prison scandal: officers removed over Chinese inmates' perks
Prison officials at Bangkok Remand Prison have been removed from service for providing special treatment to Chinese inmates, including allowing mobile phones and improper lawyer access in exchange for benefits.
BANGKOK — The Department of Corrections has ordered a group of prison officials to be removed from service over allegations of providing special "VIP" treatment to Chinese inmates at Bangkok Remand Prison, following a probe by the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand.
The agency said the action was part of a wider disciplinary crackdown after investigations found serious misconduct, including accepting benefits in exchange for overlooking offences such as inmates' possession of mobile phones and facilitating improper access for lawyers. Officials implicated in the case have been suspended pending a serious disciplinary inquiry to ensure transparency.
The Department of Corrections said it had also forwarded evidence to the Department of Special Investigation, with the case now under consideration by the National Anti-Corruption Commission for further legal action.
Authorities said the measures were aimed at eliminating corruption within the prison system and restoring public confidence, stressing that all inmates must be treated equally under the law without exception.
