PRISON REVOLT

Nakhon Si Thammarat jail seized by inmates

Nakhon Si Thammarat - Some 400 inmates seized control of the Nakhon Si Thammarat prison to demand transfer of three guards accused of beating up inmates.

The revolt took place at about 8 am and the inmates, who were armed with knives, iron bars and sticks, took control of the prison at 9 am.

The prison, located in Mamuay Pray village of Tambon Nasai in Muang district, houses about 400 male inmates who are about 18 to 22 years old.

The inmates, who cover the face with cloth and hat, gathered at the third-layer gate and shouted demand for the transfer of the three guards.

They also threw stones at prison guards, who were evacuated to be outside.

The inmates stopped throwing stones when seeing reporters nearby. They raised their hands and cheered to sign victory for photographers to take pictures.

The inmates then raised signs with words demanding transfer of three guards - Sakol Jongsiri, Jamras Mukda, and Thanom Mangsathorn.

They also conveyed messages through the signs that they wanted to meet Nakhon Si Thammarat governor Wichom Thongsong and wanted reporters to go inside to interview them.

The inmates also brought ten of them to reporters to see that they had been beaten up by the three guards.

Nakhon Si Thammarat police chief Pol Maj Gen Sudjai Yannarat led some 100 policemen to wait outside the prision.

Police said one of the leaders of the revolt was identified as Makiso Debark, who was convicted in launching bomb attacks in Yala's Betong district. He was transferred to the Nakhon Si Thammarat prison two months ago.

The Nation

Prisoners riot over 'abuse' by wardens

More than 400 inmates rioted for about eight hours at a local prison yesterday in a protest over five wardens accused of physical assault and stealing.

The drama only ended when Corrections Department's director general Nathee Jitsawang agreed to most of the inmates' demands. These include an inquiry into the wardens, improved welfare and the decision not to punish any of them for the disturbance.

Armed with knives and iron bars, the angry inmates burnt down a warden's wooden shelter and severely assaulted a fellow detainee, identified only as Thanakorn, on suspicion that he had given tips-off to the wardens during the chaos.

Thanakorn sustained serious injuries and was hospitalised.

The riot dragged on from around 9am till 5pm. The situation turned violent when the protesting inmates attacked Thanakorn, then burnt down the warden's shelter amid cheers from their fellows. They also threatened to set fire to more property if Nathee did not come to negotiate.

Located in Muang district, the prison only detains young male inmates between 18 and 22 years old. Most are serving sentences for drug-related charges.

Officials said most inmates were armed during the riot with iron bars, knives and wooden sticks they brought from the kitchen and vocational training zone.

Nathee immediately flew from Bangkok to Nakhon Si Thammarat when he learned of the incident. He also instructed local police and senior officials to take charge first.

When Deputy Nakhon Si Thammarat Governor Wongwiboon Kijwiboon rushed to the prison, the protesting inmates refused to negotiate. Police officers, fire trucks and ambulances were also dispatched to the scene.

During the disturbance, some 10 inmates climbed onto the prison wall to let media crews see their injuries allegedly inflicted by the prison wardens.

The inmates said they wanted five wardens - Sakon Jongsiri, Jamras Mukda, Thanom Mangsathong, Pramong Chanasit and Bonyarit Ponsaman - transferred. They also demanded improved welfare and immunity from punishment for causing the havoc.

The inmates painted a board saying, "We will not allow the officials to abuse us anymore". The wardens were accused of assaulting the inmates, and stealing goods that the inmates should have received from their relatives.

As the situation dragged on into the late afternoon, police installed spotlights around the prison walls out of concern the inmates might attempt to escape after nightfall.

However, when Nathee arrived at 4.20pm the negotiations started. Inmate Makisor Deboh, who was jailed for a bomb incident at Beyong Hospital in Yala, talked to Nathee via loudspeakers before he submitted written demands.

At 5pm, Nathee agreed to most of the demands and the inmates stopped their angry and violent protest peacefully.

According to Nathee, the inmates will not be punished for yesterday's incident. The five wardens will face an immediate probe. The prison's director Chupong Pongpensawas plans to tackle welfare problems at the jail.

"As for their demands to be transferred to a prison in their hometowns, we will consider each request on case-by-case basis," Nathee said.

The Nation

Nakhon Si Thammarat