The Director-General of the Department of Corrections has ordered Bang Kwang Central Prison to urgently investigate and prepare a report clarifying all issues after Sia Paeng Na Nod had relatives secretly record an audio clip during a visit, alleging the presence of a "twilight zone" inside the prison. It is suspected that his aim is to be transferred out of the prison because he is dissatisfied with the strict enforcement by the guards.
On 24 April 2026, reporters received a report regarding an incident on 23 April when Mr. Chaowalit Thongduang, also known as Sia Paeng Na Nod, secretly recorded an audio clip of a southern dialect conversation to complain to reporters. He believed he was treated unfairly on several matters while in custody. In the recording, he said, “Please help the reporters in Phatthalung province to report this. I am being harassed in my case, forced to lose my appeal at Bang Kwang Central Prison. The order was lost, so I had to resubmit to the Supreme Court President. There are many other cases where I was not allowed to submit; officials are causing me to lose my right to defend myself. Now, I want to transfer to another prison because I am often harassed by the officials at Bang Kwang Central Prison. I want to be at a nearby prison, like Klong Prem Central Prison, and I would like the Ombudsman to investigate the officials at Bang Kwang Central Prison.”
Initially, reporters received clarification from officials within the Ministry of Justice that upon investigation, Mr. Chaowalit Thongduang, or Paeng Na Nod, had relatives secretly record a video clip during a visit via the Line application using video call, which is prohibited behavior for both relatives and inmates during online visits.
The Department of Corrections clearly stipulates that "taking still or motion pictures during visits and publishing them on social networks is prohibited in all cases, whether by oneself or others." However, it was found that he had relatives secretly record audio and then disseminate it.
Regarding the core complaints—such as allegations of harassment by prison guards, denial of the right to appeal to the Supreme Court, or that guards in Zones 1 and 10 allowed inmates to use phones and computers—recently, Pol. Lt. Col. Prawut Wongsinil, Director-General of the Department of Corrections, ordered Bang Kwang Central Prison to urgently verify the facts and prepare a full report for the Department of Corrections. This is to ensure fairness for both the complaining inmate and the accused prison officials. If any allegations are found to be valid, a fact-finding committee will be established. The Department of Corrections must provide progress updates to the public promptly, as this matter is of public interest.
As for Mr. Chaowalit's claim that he wants to transfer from Bang Kwang Central Prison to another facility such as Klong Prem Central Prison, the procedure cannot be carried out immediately after the inmate expresses such a desire. There must be an investigation into the reasons for the transfer request, the inmate's behavior, any complaints made, and whether there are concerns about safety or security.
Especially in the case of Mr. Chaowalit, who previously escaped custody while receiving treatment outside the prison at Maharaj Nakhon Si Thammarat Hospital. After escaping, he was armed and ready to assault officials, clashed with them, and eventually fled abroad. Such behavior is a serious disciplinary offense by an inmate. Returning him to a high-security prison like Bang Kwang Central Prison is already a strict measure. If a transfer is necessary, it may have to be to another high-security prison outside the Bangkok metropolitan area, such as Khao Bin Central Prison in Ratchaburi Province.
Due to Mr. Chaowalit's untrustworthy behavior, the corrections authorities have been closely monitoring and assessing the situation, fearing it could send signals to his network or associates. If he is transferred, unexpected incidents such as attempts to rescue him during transfer could occur. Therefore, the situation must be carefully evaluated alongside listening fairly to the inmate's demands.
Preliminary reasons for Mr. Chaowalit's desire to leave Bang Kwang Central Prison stem from the fact that prison officials strictly enforce security and inmate welfare protocols. Bang Kwang Central Prison is a high-security facility, and inmates with untrustworthy behavior or influence receive special supervision to prevent them from exerting influence or affecting other inmates. It is likely that Mr. Chaowalit felt uncomfortable due to the strict enforcement while in custody.
Regarding the claim of phone and computer use in Zones 1 and 10 of the prison, normally, computers are available for inmates to study and conduct research, but their use must not deviate from intended purposes.
Therefore, since Mr. Chaowalit is not an inmate in Zones 1 and 10, it is necessary to ask him whether he personally witnessed these occurrences or if the information came from other inmates. This will allow the prison to verify the facts. If true, it would be valuable information to improve and adjust operations and to establish a fact-finding committee to investigate whether illegal use of phones and computers occurred. The Ministry of Justice and the Department of Corrections are committed to conducting transparent investigations and reaching a conclusive resolution.
Reporters received additional information that the Director-General of the Department of Corrections has ordered Bang Kwang Central Prison to prepare a report clarifying all facts to the central department. This will allow the establishment of a fact-finding committee and the preparation of official statements for the media to report the facts to the public.