Original Story


Thailand (the Kingdom of)
Annual report entries; 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997



AI-index: ASA 39/005/2002     11/06/2002

                 AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
                    PRESS RELEASE

     Thailand: Widespread use of torture - from  policing to prisons

In a new report issued today, Widespread abuses in the administration of justice, Amnesty
International said that police and army officers use torture to extract confessions, or to punish  and humiliate suspects. 

 

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Torture and ill-treatment in prisons is commonly carried out by "trusties" (prisoners who are
given privileges by prison guards) as a form of punishment for breaking prison regulations.
However prison guards are also directly involved.

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The Amnesty International report also highlights harsh conditions in prisons, including
extreme over-crowding, lack of adequate food, sanitation, and medical care. Over-crowding
has been an escalating problem, as the authorities arrest more and more people on drugs
charges. While Amnesty International acknowledges the severity of the drug problem in
Thailand, it also calls for adequate provisions to be made for an increased prison population. 

In addtion, prisons have a high rate of deaths in custody from diseases such as AIDS and
tuberculosis and many prisoners receive no medical treatment at all. Continuous shackling in
heavy leg irons of death row prisoners is routine, even though it is not permitted under Thai
law. Prisons are chronically understaffed, partly because prison guards are so poorly paid.

"The Royal Thai government needs to ensure that the prison system is adequately funded in
order to improve conditions. Prison staff and other law enforcement officials also need to be
trained in international human rights standards," Amnesty International said.

Amnesty International's report makes several recommendations to the Royal Thai
government, including:

It should issue clear instructions to all officials not to torture or ill-treat anyone
in their custody.

All reports of torture should be impartially investigated and those found
responsible brought to justice.

The government should take immediate steps to improve prison conditions,
including abolishing in practice the use of prolonged shackling, and providing
adequate space, medical care, and food for prisoners.

The corrections department should ensure that the "trustie" system is no longer used.

For a copy of the report visit: http://web.amnesty.org/ai.nsf/recent/asa390032002
 


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