"Corrections Department" clarifies the issue "Phai Jatupat" appealed the disciplinary order and filed a lawsuit with the Administrative Court, affirming lawful procedures with clear CCTV evidence showing intent to damage government property.
On 22 May 2026, the Corrections Department issued a statement addressing reports that the legal representative of Mr. Jatupat Boonpattararaksa, also known as "Phai," had filed a lawsuit with the Administrative Court seeking to revoke the disciplinary punishment order from Bangkok Special Prison.
The Corrections Department wishes to clarify the facts based on evidence and the circumstances as follows: Mr. Jatupat clearly violated prison regulations, including covering the CCTV cameras in his cell with government-issued clothing, which are vital for security and emergency monitoring, and writing large inappropriate messages on the cell walls using coffee mixed with water. These actions caused damage to the prison's efforts in inmate rehabilitation and control, resulting in unclean conditions and damage to government property.
An investigation by Bangkok Special Prison revealed that the committee informed Mr. Jatupat of his right to have a trusted person attend the inquiry. Mr. Jatupat signed to acknowledge and confirm the statements in the inquiry record. However, there is no record that he requested a trusted person or lawyer to attend or presented any evidence to refute the allegations or requested to inspect related documents.
Additionally, CCTV footage captured all the incidents. Mr. Jatupat admitted to the allegations without disputing any factual issues. Prison officials have the authority to impose disciplinary measures according to legal procedures.
The disciplinary punishment was conducted through a lawful process, considering appropriateness, proportionality, and the rights of the inmate as guaranteed by law. There was no discrimination or abuse of power involved.
Regarding the dispute "Being prohibited from visits by close relatives without specifying an end time for the punishment" The Corrections Department explains that disciplinary actions against Mr. Jatupat were carried out under the Ministry's regulations on inmate discipline, B.E. 2563 (2020), for intentionally damaging government or others’ property (Article 10(2)) leading to a demotion, and for intentionally causing harm to others or prison operations (Article 16(3)(d)) resulting in loss of sentence reduction days. However, since Mr. Jatupat is a detainee awaiting trial, those penalties could not be applied, so under Article 20, a reprimand was imposed instead. When Mr. Jatupat was notified of the order on 8 Dec 2025, the punishment became effective and concluded from that date.
Issuing disciplinary orders affects various rights, such as eligibility for visits by close relatives, which requires the inmate not to be under disciplinary punishment or have been punished during the visit period, in line with prison management policies to ensure fairness.
The Corrections Department reaffirms that all prisons operate under the rule of law, human rights principles, and internal security. Disciplinary measures are implemented
to maintain order and discipline within prisons for the overall benefit of corrections management. There is no intent to harass or unduly restrict inmate rights. The department is prepared to present all evidence and legal grounds to the Administrative Court to demonstrate its good faith.