Thailand considering to release 50k inmates due to rapid spread of covid19 infection

[StreetFight3r]

BANGKOK (BLOOMBERG) - Thailand, already facing its worst coronavirus outbreak since the start of the pandemic, is considering cutting its prison population by as much as 16 per cent to counter the rapid spread of infections among inmates and workers in overcrowded facilities.

More than 10,000 new Covid-19 cases have been reported in about a dozen densely packed Thai prisons.

These latest clusters have pushed the country's daily case count to record highs twice in the past week, including on Monday (May 17) when more than two-thirds of the 9,635 infections were reported in prisons, official data showed.

The outbreak in the correctional system reflects conditions in many parts of metropolitan Bangkok, where infections have spread quickly in dense slums, crowded construction sites and even a government-housing complex.

The slow rate of vaccinations has added to the challenge facing the authorities.

"If we can't get enough vaccines or if we can't contain the spread quickly, we'll have to think about reducing the number of inmates in the system through early release," according to Justice Minister Somsak Thepsuthin.

"They're already incarcerated. They shouldn't have to suffer more than that."

With about 311,000 inmates, Thai prisons are running at 5 per cent above official capacity. More than 80 per cent of those incarcerated face charges for narcotics violations.

The Justice Ministry is looking at a special early-release programme for about 50,000 inmates, that could include the use of electronic-monitoring systems and adjustment of criteria.

However, Mr Somsak said that the ministry's current priority is to administer vaccines to inmates and correctional officers to cut infections.

In the longer term, Thailand's drug laws will be changed to allow shorter jail sentences for minor offences and to focus more on rehabilitation, which will reduce overcrowding and costs, he said.

 

 

if anyone recall the news a few years ago...

thailands prison conditions damn atrocious

2019 jail conditions.......................

if the 2021 jail condition is not any better then........................................

https://mothership.sg/2019/12/thailand-prison-video-leak/

[DOBIEMKZ]

8 hours ago, StreetFight3r said:

BANGKOK (BLOOMBERG) - Thailand, already facing its worst coronavirus outbreak since the start of the pandemic, is considering cutting its prison population by as much as 16 per cent to counter the rapid spread of infections among inmates and workers in overcrowded facilities.

More than 10,000 new Covid-19 cases have been reported in about a dozen densely packed Thai prisons.

These latest clusters have pushed the country's daily case count to record highs twice in the past week, including on Monday (May 17) when more than two-thirds of the 9,635 infections were reported in prisons, official data showed.

The outbreak in the correctional system reflects conditions in many parts of metropolitan Bangkok, where infections have spread quickly in dense slums, crowded construction sites and even a government-housing complex.

The slow rate of vaccinations has added to the challenge facing the authorities.

"If we can't get enough vaccines or if we can't contain the spread quickly, we'll have to think about reducing the number of inmates in the system through early release," according to Justice Minister Somsak Thepsuthin.

"They're already incarcerated. They shouldn't have to suffer more than that."

With about 311,000 inmates, Thai prisons are running at 5 per cent above official capacity. More than 80 per cent of those incarcerated face charges for narcotics violations.

The Justice Ministry is looking at a special early-release programme for about 50,000 inmates, that could include the use of electronic-monitoring systems and adjustment of criteria.

However, Mr Somsak said that the ministry's current priority is to administer vaccines to inmates and correctional officers to cut infections.

In the longer term, Thailand's drug laws will be changed to allow shorter jail sentences for minor offences and to focus more on rehabilitation, which will reduce overcrowding and costs, he said.

 

 

if anyone recall the news a few years ago...

thailands prison conditions damn atrocious

2019 jail conditions.......................

if the 2021 jail condition is not any better then........................................

https://mothership.sg/2019/12/thailand-prison-video-leak/

Wah!!!
That's a shocking move! ://
Once they are out what can they gainfully do?
Maybe the Thai govt should assign the prisoners some jobs like Safety Ambassadors and Safe Entry gantry guards.

[Ct3833]

This might be more devastating,  immediately  there will be 50k new type of "virus " running around.😀

Edited May 19, 2021 by Ct3833

[Thaiyotakamli]

It will be hard for them to find jobs

[Lala81]

Their thai prison conditions are very tough and overcrowded. Even eating enough is tough without your family to send u food.

Saw the pictures of those foreigners who got into their prisons without local support from family, all come out malnourished.

 

Edited May 19, 2021 by Lala81

[Tianmo]

Better not let them know our prison conditions here,  otherwise they will all be coming to our prison... 

 

[Fitvip]

3 hours ago, DOBIEMKZ said:

Wah!!!
That's a shocking move! ://
Once they are out what can they gainfully do?
Maybe the Thai govt should assign the prisoners some jobs like Safety Ambassadors and Safe Entry gantry guards.

Imagine 50K coming out and back to their old trade! The police would have to recruit more officers to cope with rising crimes! Where to get the budget?

[D3badge]

5 hours ago, DOBIEMKZ said:

Wah!!!
That's a shocking move! ://
Once they are out what can they gainfully do?
Maybe the Thai govt should assign the prisoners some jobs like Safety Ambassadors and Safe Entry gantry guards.

Idea, then they won’t have people like  ex navy officer or Tiong Bahru auntie dun wear mask 😷! They will experience Muay Thai kick and clinch and be compliance again 😂

Edited May 19, 2021 by D3badge

[Mustank]

Stay safe everyone!