THE Justice Ministry’s fact-finding committee is coordinating with the Immigration Bureau in investigating overseas trips by former Bangkok Remand Prison director as it is rumoured he frequently visited Macau where he was paid off for allowing Chinese grey capitalists jailed there enjoy special privileges including visits by beautiful models, TV Channel 7 said today (Nov. 23).
Mr. Manop Chomchuen, the former head of this prison, had allowed Chinese inmates to use electrical appliances such as microwaves, air conditioners and kettles.
A couple of Chinese models were taken there in broad daylight to serve two VIP Chinese inmates with both of them having now been transferred to Khao Bin maximum-security prison. One is awaiting extradition to China while the other faces charges of forging official documents, that is ID cards.
The Chinese gang also reportedly provided Manop with a luxury car to use.
Meanwhile, the Department of Corrections said today that numerous news reports and images circulating on social media claiming that female inmates at the Central Women Correctional Institution were sent to provide services to staff and inmates at Bangkok Remand Prison are completely untrue.
Pol. Lt. Col. Prawut Wongsinil, Corrections Department’s director-general, clarified that reports and images have been published that do not correspond with the facts which could lead to public misunderstanding.
He urged the media and the public to refrain from sharing inaccurate or distorted information.
In another development, Pol. Lt. Col. Yutthana Praedam, director-general of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), revealed that he has assigned the Security Crime Division to investigate the Bangkok Remand Prison case to determine whether it constitutes a special case.
Three issues are being studied as follows:
– Ascertain all the facts: where, how, and who are involved, and what supportive evidence is available;
– Which officers were the masterminds or facilitated the operation, with further investigations to be undertaken to identify any influential individuals involved;
– What charges are being filed against the group or network of foreign inmates who purchased services, and whether they are involved in other transnational crimes.
CAPTIONS:
Top and Front Page – Corrections Department logo overlaid on Bangkok Remand Prison signage. Photo – Thai Rath
Insert – Former Bangkok Remand Prison director Manop Chomchuen. Photo – Thai Rath
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