Chinese prisoners got ‘illicit privileges’
PUBLISHED : 24 Nov 2025 at 04:54
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has launched a full-scale probe into the expanding scandal involving Chinese inmates who received VIP treatment inside Bangkok Remand Prison.
The case, initially referred by Justice Minister Pol Lt Gen Rutthapon Naowarat, centres on reports that Chinese prisoners were granted illicit privileges, including allegations that Chinese models were secretly brought into the prison for sexual encounters.
Under directives from DSI director-general Pol Maj Yutthana Praedam, the Security Crime Division has been assigned to investigate the network responsible for procuring women and determine what offences may apply.
The DSI chief on Sunday outlined the agency’s priorities: establishing the full facts, identifying officials who facilitated or enabled the misconduct, and tracing any influential figures operating behind the scenes.
Investigators will also examine whether the foreign inmates who paid for such services have links to transnational criminal groups, particularly in light of suspicious activity including large financial flows connected to the case.
A committee is reviewing the Corrections Act after prohibited items were found inside Bangkok Remand Prison under the supervision of former chief warden Manop Chomchuen, who has since been transferred to an inactive post pending further investigation into what officials admit is an unusual case.
The Immigration Bureau has been asked to examine Mr Manop’s travel records as part of the probe.
The Department of Corrections (DoC), led by deputy director-general Yutthana Nakrueangsri, has deployed reinforced teams to regulate the prison and remove banned items including knives, cigarettes, electronic devices, mobile phones, refrigerators, microwaves, and portable air conditioners.
On Nov 16, special operations teams conducted a series of surprise raids at the Bangkok Remand Prison, located in Lat Yao of Chatuchak district, without the participation of regular prison staff. Another raid followed on Nov 20.
According to a reporter close to the case, CCTV footage is now being reviewed for evidence.
Zones 2, 4, and 8, where many Chinese inmates are housed, are under close scrutiny, particularly Zone 8, which contains more than 900 prisoners and is adjacent to a disused carpentry workshop believed to have served as a potential meeting area.
The reporter also said the two Chinese inmates found with women in a concealed room have been transferred to the high-security Khao Bin Central Prison in Ratchaburi.