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Samsters no such luck?
Daniel Seow
Thailand's justice minister announced the finding that influential Chinese inmates in a Bangkok prison were secretly allowed to consort with women brought in from outside the prison.
20 Bangkok prison officials linked to the scandal at Bangkok Remand Prison are now under investigation, Bangkok Post reported.
Justice Minister Rutthapon Naowarat said on Nov. 21 that the allegations were confirmed in a summary report from a Corrections Department fact-finding committee.
Rutthapon said that he had never seen such malpractice in his years in government service, adding that it is "totally unacceptable" and "a subversion of the justice system", Thai PBS World reported.
The scandal was uncovered during a raid on Nov. 16 at Zone 8 of the prison, which contains more than 900 inmates.
Officers found two Chinese women in their early twenties, who were described as models or "pretties".
One was alone with a Chinese inmate in a secret air-conditioned basement room while the other was waiting upstairs, according to Bangkok Post.
The women were dressed and denied being involved in sex work.
However, officers found condoms, lingerie, stained tissues, fluid traces on a sofa, as well as tobacco and alcohol.
A special access route from the warden's office to the secret room, bypassing the main security checkpoints, was also discovered.
Additionally, prohibited items, such as microwave ovens, a portable air-conditioner, lighters and other electrical appliances, were also found in the cells of wealthy Chinese prisoners.
Other reports alleged that corrupt officers sent in premium food, cigars and wine in exchange for bribes, The Nation Thailand reported.
Some of these inmates, including Chinese nationals linked to transnational crime and online scam syndicates, are alleged to have bought 'VVIP status' in the prison to access such privileges.
Director-general of the Department of Corrections, Police Lt Col Prawut, said that he had received information about misconduct by prison staff following his appointment on Oct. 1.
Evidence gathered showed that around 20 officials, both senior and junior, were complicit in violating regulations, Prawut said.
Fourteen prison officials, including the prison commander, Manop Chomchuen, have since been transferred from their posts in the prison.
All the Chinese prisoners involved have been moved to other zones in the prison.
Thai prime minister Anutin Charnvirakul has vowed tough action against all officials found to be involved in awarding special privileges to the inmates.
Thai officials investigated for allegedly bringing in sex workers for Chinese 'VVIP' inmates in Bangkok prison
A secret air-conditioned basement room used for sex was found during a raid.Daniel Seow
November 22, 2025, 10:32 PM
Thailand's justice minister announced the finding that influential Chinese inmates in a Bangkok prison were secretly allowed to consort with women brought in from outside the prison.
20 Bangkok prison officials linked to the scandal at Bangkok Remand Prison are now under investigation, Bangkok Post reported.
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Justice Minister Rutthapon Naowarat said on Nov. 21 that the allegations were confirmed in a summary report from a Corrections Department fact-finding committee.
Rutthapon said that he had never seen such malpractice in his years in government service, adding that it is "totally unacceptable" and "a subversion of the justice system", Thai PBS World reported.
How the scandal came to light
The scandal was uncovered during a raid on Nov. 16 at Zone 8 of the prison, which contains more than 900 inmates.
Officers found two Chinese women in their early twenties, who were described as models or "pretties".
One was alone with a Chinese inmate in a secret air-conditioned basement room while the other was waiting upstairs, according to Bangkok Post.
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The women were dressed and denied being involved in sex work.
However, officers found condoms, lingerie, stained tissues, fluid traces on a sofa, as well as tobacco and alcohol.
A special access route from the warden's office to the secret room, bypassing the main security checkpoints, was also discovered.
Additionally, prohibited items, such as microwave ovens, a portable air-conditioner, lighters and other electrical appliances, were also found in the cells of wealthy Chinese prisoners.
Other reports alleged that corrupt officers sent in premium food, cigars and wine in exchange for bribes, The Nation Thailand reported.
Some of these inmates, including Chinese nationals linked to transnational crime and online scam syndicates, are alleged to have bought 'VVIP status' in the prison to access such privileges.
ADVERTISEMENT
20 officials under investigation
Director-general of the Department of Corrections, Police Lt Col Prawut, said that he had received information about misconduct by prison staff following his appointment on Oct. 1.
Evidence gathered showed that around 20 officials, both senior and junior, were complicit in violating regulations, Prawut said.
Fourteen prison officials, including the prison commander, Manop Chomchuen, have since been transferred from their posts in the prison.
All the Chinese prisoners involved have been moved to other zones in the prison.
Thai prime minister Anutin Charnvirakul has vowed tough action against all officials found to be involved in awarding special privileges to the inmates.
