Bangkok: The Department of Corrections has admitted to finding a large quantity of contraband in the Bangkok Special Prison following a raid. The discovery has raised concerns about possible corruption within the prison system.

According to Thai News Agency, the Department of Corrections confirmed the discovery of numerous prohibited items during a search of Zone 8 in the Bangkok Special Prison. This zone, which houses over 900 inmates, includes an old carpentry factory that was intended for vocational training but is now abandoned. It has been repurposed by Chinese inmates for lodging and storing contraband.

This recent raid comes after a previous search on November 16th at the Bangkok Remand Prison, where officials uncovered boxes of condoms and various prohibited items such as electrical appliances, portable air conditioners, and lighters. These findings have fueled speculation that Corrections Department officials may have been involved in providing benefits to prisoners. This suspicion aligns with the recent transfer order for the former Director-General of the Corrections Department and 15 civil servants.

This morning, the atmosphere outside the Bangkok Remand Prison was charged, with a significant media presence eager to report on the unfolding situation. However, Department of Corrections officials were unable to provide detailed information about the search, as the commanding officer had not yet arrived due to obligations at the Department of Corrections in Nonthaburi.

Further developments are expected, as Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruttaphon Naowarat, Minister of Justice, announced plans to visit the Bangkok Remand Prison with a committee tomorrow morning to inspect the site firsthand.