Thailand to end shackling inmates

Thailand Business News has today reported that Thailand’s Department Ministry of Justice Corrections has announced that it will end shackling inmates with iron chains and bars at Bang Kwang Central Prison the maximum security prison located in Nonthaburi. Bang Kwang Central is a high security prison for men.

Inmates at Bang Kwang Central Prison have been shackled for more than a century.

Thailand Criminal Lawyer:

Chaninat and Leeds specializes in international criminal cases in Thailand

Chains which up to now were used for prisoners on remand, or those charged or convicted with serious offences sentenced to life imprisonment.  All those sentenced to death are shackled until execution.The leg irons reportedly weigh from 3kg to 15kg. Human rights groups have long spoken out protesting about the practice, arguing that it violates Article 31 of Thailand’s Constitution, which cites that “torture or any kind of inhumane punishment is prohibited.”

Under the pilot project, 563 out of 800 prisoners at the prison have had the shackles removed from their ankles since January.

Amnesty International Thailand, an international rights group, has spoken out in support of the move, adding that it represents a start in conforming with international human rights standards. The group have also called for the government to end the death sentence.

Prisoners will continue to be shackled when appearing before courts for security reasons.