The Department of Corrections revealed an order to suspend and conduct a severe disciplinary investigation of officials at Bangkok Special Prison involved in providing VIP-style services to Chinese inmates at the facility.
On 3 May 2026, reporters reported that the Department of Corrections issued a statement following an investigation by the National Human Rights Commission into complaints regarding special treatment provided to Chinese inmates at Bangkok Special Prison, which constituted discrimination and human rights violations.
The Department of Corrections stated progress in punishing and rooting out corruption within the organization to restore public trust. The Ministry of Justice issued Order No. 240/2568 dated 24 Nov 2025, appointing a committee to conduct a severe disciplinary investigation of the prison commander and his personal secretary, and immediately ordered their suspension.
To ensure the investigation is transparent and fair, a deeper inquiry uncovered that the individuals involved solicited benefits by neglecting disciplinary and criminal action against inmates possessing mobile phones, a serious violation. The Department reported this to the Ministry of Justice, which issued Order No. 1562/2568 dated 28 Nov 2025, appointing a committee for a severe disciplinary investigation.
Officials involved in soliciting benefits related to inmates' possession of mobile phones, as well as those facilitating improper lawyer visits in exchange for benefits, have also been ordered to face severe disciplinary investigations and have been suspended pending inquiry.
Regarding criminal cases, the Department of Corrections coordinated by submitting relevant information and evidence to the Department of Special Investigation, which has completed its investigation and forwarded the case to the National Anti-Corruption Commission for legal proceedings to the fullest extent.
The Department of Corrections affirms that all actions are based on evidence and civil service discipline, with no protection for offenders, to maintain operational standards nationwide in accordance with the law and to assure the public that all inmates are treated equally without exception.
The Department also emphasized that all prisons and detention centers nationwide strictly comply with the Corrections Act B.E. 2560 (2017), related regulations, and operational standards (SOPs) to ensure that treatment of inmates is equal, transparent, and respects human dignity.