The King of Thailand, The Grand Palace, Na Phra Lan Road, Bangkok 10200, THAILAND His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, With much concern the enclosed 'Petition on Behalf of Hilltribe Prisoners in Thailand' is presented for kind consideration. Correctional institutions in Thailand hold disproportionately large numbers of hilltribe people. Many face the death penalty or life in prison. Not a few suffer from gross miscarriages of justice against which they are unable to defend themselves due to their disadvantages of general poverty, cultural differences and social discrimination. Poor prison conditions are effectively worse for hilltribe inmates because of their lack of funds and the inability of their families to visit and support them. Several hilltribe prisoners have died in Thai institutions recently. Ethnic minority hilltribe communities and families also find their impoverished circumstances compounded by parents, bread-winners and village members being imprisoned. A vicious cycle of impoverishment is at work which needs to be broken. Allegations of corruption against Thai prison officials at all levels are not uncommon. Government funds are generally lacking, or are diverted from, providing basic human necessities to prisoners. Hilltribe prisoners especially are exploited for cheap labour, are often not paid, or receive only a pittance with which they cannot even pay for decent food, clothing and medicines! It is hoped that all concerned will look into these issues and give consideration to this petition. For truth and justice Signed .. Your Name and Address ... ********************************************* copies were sent to: Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra Minister of Justice Pongthep Thepkanjana Department of Corrections Director-General Natthee Jitsawang Chief of Police General Sant Sarutanonda Chairman of National Human Rights Commission Prof. Saneh Chamrik Thai Consul to U.N. Ittiporn Boonpracong U.N. Special Rapporteur Hina Jilani
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