Inside Thaksin's prison

Bangkok's Klong Prem Central Prison, where former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is serving his sentence, is one of Thailand's most secure facilities.

Inmates at Klong Prem attend a literacy class in 2016. Reuters

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, 76, arrived at Bangkok's Klong Prem Central Prison on 24/8 to begin his eight-year prison sentence.

The Supreme Court of Thailand previously declared his stay at the Police General Hospital since August 2023 unlawful and not counted towards his sentence.

The visiting area at Klong Prem, separated by steel bars and a gap. Communication is only possible through internal telephones. Pattaya Mail

Klong Prem houses approximately 6,500 inmates and has held high-profile political leaders and international arms dealer Viktor Bout.

"Life there is bleak. When I first arrived, all I could do was cry. The atmosphere is very tense," said Somyot Pruksakasemsuk, an activist who served seven years for lese-majeste.

The entrance to the administrative area of Klong Prem prison. Pattaya Mail

The prison is divided into 11 zones, including an isolation area, one for inmates serving over 50 years, and a special zone for dangerous criminals.

Lawyer Winyat Chatmontree said Thaksin spent five days in isolation and added he has not yet met with his client. The Thai Department of Corrections has not disclosed Thaksin's exact location within the prison.

The Thai Department of Corrections confirmed Thaksin's intake followed standard procedure: identity verification, health check, body search, and rules briefing. The agency emphasized all actions are in accordance with the law and inmate management regulations. Reuters

Inmates at Klong Prem attend a literacy class in 2016. Reuters

It remains unclear how long Thaksin will stay at Klong Prem. He could be transferred to another prison or placed under house arrest. Reuters

The visiting area at Klong Prem, separated by steel bars and a gap. Communication is only possible through internal telephones. Pattaya Mail

The entrance to the administrative area of Klong Prem prison. Pattaya Mail

A former prison official said Thaksin will likely be housed with older political prisoners, not with murderers or drug traffickers.

"Thaksin could be in a large room with few cellmates or a small room with up to 25 people. Inmates, regardless of age, sleep close together on the floor," the former official said.

Each inmate receives three blankets: one for a mattress, one rolled as a pillow, and one for cover. "If the guards are lenient, inmates might get 4, but sleeping is still very difficult," Somyot said.

He recalled the bland prison food, but the communal showers were the most daunting. "Scuffles often break out during shower time," he said.

Anonymous sources say security for Thaksin will be a priority, given his political status and past controversial decisions. "He could be targeted by southern separatists or drug traffickers," the former prison official said.

However, the official also noted that Thaksin might use his influence to recruit inmates as bodyguards and gain status within the prison.