NONTHABURI, THAILAND – A secret audio recording from the notorious Bang Kwang Prison has triggered a scandal over alleged phone smuggling and prisoner rights.
Smuggling scandal rocks high-security wing
Thai prisons enforced a strict ban on mobile phones, yet an audio recording of inmate Chaowalit Thongduang suddenly appeared in the media. The 41-year-old, known as Sia Paeng Nanod, was regarded as extremely dangerous.
Authorities denied that the convicted criminal had used a banned smartphone behind bars. According to the investigation, the recording was made secretly during an officially permitted video call. A relative was said to have simply recorded the conversation via an internet app.
Notorious gangster once outwitted police
Sia Paeng Nanod was widely known and had kept the entire country on edge. He made a spectacular escape from a hospital while serving time for attempted murder. He had originally been taken there only for dental treatment.
For seven months, the gangster was on the run and hid abroad. In June 2024, special forces arrested him in Indonesia and brought him back to Thailand. He was then held under the strictest supervision in Bang Kwang Central Prison.
Serious accusations against justice officials
In the audio recording, the inmate complained about his treatment in custody. He claimed that officials denied him his legal options and obstructed his appeal. He also alleged that important court documents were being withheld from him.
The prison administration firmly rejected these accusations. Officials stressed that every prisoner had the right to file complaints through official channels. Staff were said to work closely with lawyers to guarantee fair proceedings.
Strict rules for online visits
Video visits by computer were an official service provided by the Thai authorities. They were intended to reduce stress for inmates and save families travel costs. The sessions took place under strict supervision and according to clear rules.
The equipment belonged to the state and was designed primarily for education and rehabilitation. The Justice Ministry emphasized that no illegal devices reached the cells. Regular raids were meant to ensure that no inmate possessed banned technology.
No special treatment for escaped convict
Chaowalit Thongduang reportedly requested a transfer to another prison. The authorities, however, maintained a tough stance and reviewed such applications under extremely strict criteria. They stated that public safety came first in the case of this serious offender.
External agencies were to be allowed to review the allegations independently. The prison administration thereby responded to public pressure following the release of the audio recording. Officials aimed to prove that everything inside Bang Kwang’s walls was conducted properly and within the rules.