Last week, Thai media reported that two Chinese women were allowed into the Bangkok Remand Prison to "provide sexual services" to Chinese inmates held there. The incident raised questions about who authorized the women's entry and the provision of special privileges to Chinese prisoners.

The facility holds over 4,000 male inmates awaiting trial, including notorious criminals like Chinese fraud kingpin She Zhijiang, who was extradited early this month.

On 24/11, Thailand's Ministry of Justice announced the suspension of the detention center director and his secretary, a senior warden. According to Justice Minister Rutthapon Naowarat, the two were accused of "favoring Chinese inmates" in connection with pending cases.

The Ministry of Justice stated that during a prior search of the prison, officials discovered "misconduct and prohibited items" such as condoms, cigarettes, and alcohol. The ministry added, "The two Chinese women were with an inmate inside a cell being renovated for receiving high-ranking officials."

Inside this cell, there was also a table, sofa, and refrigerator, amenities considered luxuries not typically available to ordinary inmates.

Outside Bangkok Remand Prison, Thailand. *Photo: Nation Thailand*

Surveillance camera footage from the detention center had been deleted, but some recovered videos showed the two women entering the prison.

Minister Rutthapon stated last weekend that the two women entered the prison through regular procedures, not via a secret passage, suggesting the involvement of several officials. The women denied participating in prostitution.

Approximately 20 individuals, including wardens and subordinate staff, were accused of misconduct in the incident, though "no one was involved in the sale of sexual services." Some inmates connected to the scandal have been transferred to other detention facilities.

Huyen Le (According to AFP)