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The Department of Corrections has acknowledged negligence in the case where staff at Bang Kwang Central Prison forgot to send documents informing "Sia Paeng" Na Nanon of his right to file an appeal in his case. The Director-General of the Department has ordered an investigative committee and plans to visit Block 10 at Bang Kwang Central Prison to directly interview Na Nanon. The reason for his transfer request stems from stress and pressure caused by segregation after he exerted influence and got into verbal and physical altercations, including kicking fellow inmates in the prison.[Department of Corrections, prison, investigation, inmate rights]
On 25 April 2026, reporters provided updates on the case of Mr. Chaowalit Thongduang, known as "Sia Paeng" Na Nanon, aged 41, an inmate convicted of serious offenses including robbery, offenses against personal freedom, and firearms violations, sentenced to 20 years and 16 months. He is currently held at Bang Kwang Central Prison. Recently, a sensational report emerged that his relatives secretly recorded conversations during a video call visit and lodged complaints with the Department of Corrections. Following these complaints, the Department took immediate action. On 24 April, Bang Kwang Central Prison urgently investigated all matters and reported the findings to the Director-General, who acknowledged substantial details. These findings will be reviewed by the fact-finding committee chaired by a Department inspector. The Director-General plans to sign the official order establishing the committee on 27 April. Once appointed, the committee will visit Block 10 at Bang Kwang Central Prison to interview Mr. Chaowalit Thongduang directly to ensure fairness, as he feels his inmate rights have been affected. The prison warden will assist the committee by providing necessary information.[Bang Kwang Central Prison, inmate complaint, investigation, Department of Corrections]
Regarding the audio clip of conversations between relatives and Mr. Chaowalit during a video call visit, the investigation found that the relatives secretly recorded and released the audio. The visiting area at Bang Kwang Central Prison is equipped with 16 computers for inmates to conduct online visits. Each inmate wears headphones to ensure privacy during conversations, while guards patrol to maintain order. If any suspicious activity is detected, such as plans to smuggle contraband or suspicious communications, the guards immediately cut off the connection.[prison visitation, audio recording, privacy, security measures]
However, the relatives’ secret recording and public release of the audio violates prison rules prohibiting recording images and sound. Nevertheless, the prison is not currently planning to suspend visits for Mr. Chaowalit, downgrade his privileges, move him to another block, or prosecute the relatives criminally. Normally, any rule violation triggers an internal fact-finding committee within the prison to clarify the situation thoroughly. Given the three complaints lodged by Mr. Chaowalit, the Department of Corrections must await the committee’s investigation before deciding on any measures affecting his visitation rights. It is emphasized that most inmate complaints concern perceived infringements of their rights, so the Department is responsible for ensuring fairness by verifying the facts for complainants.[prison rules, inmate rights, disciplinary procedures, investigation]
Regarding Mr. Chaowalit's claim that Bang Kwang Central Prison officials harassed him by failing to send documents about his right to appeal his case, investigation confirmed this was due to staff negligence. The large volume of documents caused staff to forget to send the notification to Mr. Chaowalit, directly affecting his rights. The prison has since resolved the issue by sending the documents to the Supreme Court and is awaiting a response. Meanwhile, the prison has established a committee to investigate staff performance regarding this matter.[staff negligence, appeal rights, document handling, Supreme Court]
As for Mr. Chaowalit's request to transfer from Bang Kwang Central Prison to Klong Prem Central Prison, the prison reported that he has exhibited behavior asserting influence over the block, engaged in verbal disputes with other inmates, and physically assaulted others by kicking them. Consequently, he was punished by segregation in Block 10 at Bang Kwang. This strict confinement may have caused him stress, leading to misunderstandings that officials were harassing him by denying appeal rights. In reality, officials admit to the document notification oversight but deny any intentional harassment, explaining that the volume of documents made it difficult to track which belonged to which inmate.[inmate behavior, segregation, stress, prison management]
Whether Mr. Chaowalit will be permitted to transfer to another prison depends on the outcome of the fact-finding investigation. If transfer is approved, he would be moved to a supermax-level facility, such as Khao Bin Central Prison in Ratchaburi, Klong Phai Central Prison in Nakhon Ratchasima, Rayong Central Prison in Rayong, or Phitsanulok Central Prison in Phitsanulok. Typically, inmates who violate rules in general prisons are sent to Bang Kwang Central Prison, known for its strict supervision and management of inmate welfare and behavior.[prison transfer, supermax prisons, inmate discipline, prison system]
Therefore, for now, Mr. Chaowalit will remain under the care of Bang Kwang Central Prison. It is emphasized that he will not face retaliation for his complaints or demands, as prison staff are responsible for safeguarding all inmates’ welfare and ensuring their behavior complies with Department of Corrections regulations.[inmate protection, complaint rights, prison staff responsibilities]