Free A Secret History of the Bangkok Hilton by Chavoret Jaruboon, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol

find themselves in a dilemma because if they fulfil these seemingly innocent requests, they will violate prison rules. If they refuse, however, they will be accused of being ungrateful. Kickbacks are offered in return for carrying out risky requests such as trafficking in alcohol, cash, mobile phones, narcotics or other prohibited items.
    When I was in charge of the trustees, I arrested several inmates who were dealing drugs. One investigation led to two prison guards who had brought in the drugs. They said they needed a lot of money to get married. Given their low salaries, I could sympathise with them—but it doesn’t excuse their crimes.
    Using information from trustees, I caught a number of drug-dealers inside Bang Kwang, until a senior prison guard told me off for arresting one of his dek (subordinates). He was offended that I had caused trouble for his guy. For all I know, the trustees may have been using me to destroy the networks of their rivals so that one drug ring could monopolise the trade inside. I realised then I could have put myself in danger so I was glad when I was reassigned to another division.
    Inmates who befriend guards can also receive protection from bullies. Some prisoners boast about their wealth or the connections they have with important people on the outside to get the guards interested in them. To be on the safe side, some guards befriend them in case they might need a special favour in the future.
    Those who have the resources often get their relatives to pay ‘protection money’ to the guards to ensure their safety. Others ask for a private meeting with a high-ranking officer to show that they have powerful connections. This ploy does not always work.
    At one such a meeting, the inmate showed a business card to the warden. On it was the name of a bigwig, his rank and title. Obviously, the inmate wanted to convince the warden that he knew important people. The warden was not impressed by the card and said, ‘Since his big friend wants to entrust us with him we should make sure he is going nowhere. Shackle him.’
    The inmate’s face dropped while the guards tried to muffle their laughter.
    On the other hand, however, some flex their muscle successfully. One such inmate had his family get a high-ranking officer to visit him at the prison. Upon hearing of this, the warden arranged for him to meet the inmate in an air-conditioned office instead of the open-air visiting area and the warden himself joined them. Their conversation took place behind closed doors but what is certain is that the inmate’s status soared to new heights afterwards.
    Those without resources or connections offer to work for the guards for free giving massages, washing clothes, shining shoes or buckles. Like I’ve said, the guards are nai (masters). It is a relationship based on indebtedness and gratitude. On the one hand, it can lead to illicit activities but, on the other hand, some guards have established respectful and amicable relationships with the inmates as well. I find it odd, though, when I see young guards joining the inmates in playing music or games of football or table tennis.
    The Corrections Department does not approve of prisoners and guards getting too close. It could discourage this easily by offering better wages and conditions. Entry-level guards are paid badly and yet have to live with the daily temptation to make money through illicit deals. In times of need, people are more inclined to do take risks.
    This is a sensitive issue because not all such relation-ships are interest-based and they don’t necessarily lead to illicit deals.
    I remember one well-respected old guard who was very hands-on when it came to the welfare of the prisoners. He made sure they received equal portions of food and told the cooks not to favour their friends by giving them the choice pieces of meat while serving watery soup to the others.
    When there were riots, the guards who had earned the respect of the inmates