British Tourist Exposes Grim Conditions in Thai Detention Facilities
A British tourist has revealed shocking details about his experience in Thai detention facilities, including unsanitary conditions, overcrowding, and allegations of corruption. The 29-year-old former soldier, who was detained for overstaying his visa, secretly filmed and photographed his surroundings using a phone he smuggled inside a pack of baby wipes.
Shocking Conditions Inside Police Cells and Deportation Centers
The man, who spent 15 days in detention in Pattaya and Bangkok, described the conditions as “hell.” He recounted being crammed into a tiny cell with up to 130 inmates, sharing just four hole-in-the-floor toilets. He said detainees were allowed outside for only one hour a week.
“The deportation center was the worst,” he said. “There was no ventilation, and the trays for eating were washed in cold water on the filthy bathroom floor.”
The facilities were reportedly infested with fire ants and cockroaches, and garbage was left to pile up in corners. Detainees had to bathe using bowls of cold water and clean the toilets with a single bucket of water.
Allegations of Corruption and Abuse
The tourist claimed that bribes were common. Guards allegedly demanded money for basic amenities like food and cleaning supplies. He also alleged that police asked him to pay 50,000 baht (£1,180) to avoid detention but that he could not afford the sum.
He described his arrest as violent, stating, “Two police officers beat me in a public toilet and handcuffed me to a truck. I was dazed—I’m sure I had a concussion.”
A Desperate Struggle for Release
The man’s ordeal began in November 2024 after police discovered his visa had expired. He was fined, banned from Thailand for five years, and held in custody before being deported on December 5. He credited his release to the efforts of his mother and support from fellow detainees.
“One Russian cellmate lent me money to pay my court fine,” he said. “Without outside help, there’s no hope of getting out.”
A Warning to Travelers
The tourist issued a stark warning to others, urging them to stay informed about visa regulations and to be prepared for emergencies.
The footage and images he captured have drawn attention to the conditions within Thailand’s detention facilities, prompting calls for better oversight and humane treatment of detainees.
Broader Concerns
The case raises questions about human rights practices in Thai detention centers and highlights the need for reform. Advocates have called for greater transparency, improved conditions, and stricter regulation to address the systemic issues revealed by this account.
Source https://www.mirror.co.uk/travel/asia-middle-east/brit-tourists-warning-secretly-films-34513367
