Thais may isolate bribery-prone drug bosses in prison

GlobalPost

In Thailand — and much of Southeast Asia — inmates with cash typically enjoy much better lives in prison.

According to Thailand's prison authorities, that cash can also buy influence and secure illicit connections with the outside world. That's why, the Bangkok Post reports, some prisoners sentenced for drug crimes may be kept in special wards with non-stop video surveillance and limited privileges.

The 24/7 video feeds would, ideally, prevent drug bosses from bribing guards.

But fat bank accounts wielded by drug bosses can also pay for good lawyers. Some inamtes have already filed complaints that such conditions will violate their human rights, the Post reports.

Are you with The World?

The story you just read is available to read for free because thousands of listeners and readers like you generously support our nonprofit newsroom. Every day, the reporters and producers at The World are hard at work bringing you human-centered news from across the globe. But we can’t do it without you: We need your support to ensure we can continue this work for another year.

When you make a gift of $10 or more a month, we’ll invite you to a virtual behind-the-scenes tour of our newsroom to thank you for being with The World.