File photo for reference only

 

The United Thai Nation Party, led by Atthawit Suwannapakdee, has sparked a heated debate by proposing to convert abandoned oil rigs into offshore prisons in the Gulf of Thailand. Branded by social media as the “Azkaban prison,” this initiative aims to use existing resources for high-security detention, forming a significant part of their campaign for the upcoming election on 8th February.

 

The proposal, seen by some as far-fetched, resembles the fictional prison from the Harry Potter series, Azkaban. Critics argue that the focus should rather be on enhancing the legal system and law enforcement. However, Atthawit refutes these criticisms, asserting that the idea is far from fantasy, and emphasising the practical repurposing of valuable infrastructure with expired concession contracts.

 

People view the conversion of oil platforms into prisons as a strategy to counter the influence of powerful illegal groups. According to Atthawit, the sea would serve as a natural barrier that would prevent issues common in land-based prisons, like smuggling and remote network operations. He envisions a facility that would separate drug offenders, eliminate communication by cutting off mobile signals, and complicate access to prevent contraband smuggling.

 

The proposed policy includes three main components: serving as a primary detention site for drug-related offences, eliminating communication possibilities, and reducing access to minimise contraband risks. With the party leader, Pirapan Salirathavibhaga's previous roles in the justice and energy sectors, there's confidence in the feasibility and immediate implementation of the idea, reported the Bangkok Post.

 

Azkaban - Artwork | Harry Potter

 

Key Takeaways:

• The United Thai Nation Party suggests repurposing oil rigs as offshore prisons.
• Critics liken it to "Azkaban" and suggest focusing on legal system improvements.
• The proposal includes cutting communication and restricting access. 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-12-30

 

 

 

Looks to me like the rig needs some maintenance. 

This will be just perfect for Tony......But he would have to have his 5 star meals delivered by helicopter.....

The problem is Thais are dreamers they come up with all theses big ideas then what happens NOTHING!!!!!

2 hours ago, Gottfrid said:

Looks to me like the rig needs some maintenance. 

 

3 hours ago, webfact said:

File photo for reference only

 

Anything offshore just  costs more in the long run.

But hey,  we all know what this is.

 

They're in for a rude awakening when they find out what it costs to feed and care for a person offshore. 

 

It would be cheaper to convert 5 star hotels in the most expensive parts of Bangkok.

 

2 hours ago, redwood1 said:

This will be just perfect for Tony......But he would have to have his 5 star meals delivered by helicopter.....

 

I was thinking he would make the perfect candidate, but keep in mind who keeps the Gulf of Thailand safe and secure. I recall how a small fleet of fishing boats arrested for fuel smuggling managed to disappear from a secure police anchorage, turning up empty in another port a few days later.

 

Once the Navy gets their submarines, this 'Alcatraz' idea should be more practical.

31 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

 

 

Ok, missed that

16 minutes ago, Gottfrid said:

Ok, missed that

 

But you're right, wherever it is, it's probably redundant and possibly in a country with little or no consideration for decommissioning and remediation procedures.

Perhaps get Sylvester Stallone on board to assess whether or not it’s escape proof.

Where do they dream this stuff up? Logistics and cost effectiveness would be off the scale, let alone security needs.

23 hours ago, Gottfrid said:

Looks to me like the rig needs some maintenance. 

It'll buff up..

11 minutes ago, Zack61 said:

Perhaps get Sylvester Stallone on board to assess whether or not it’s escape proof.

Where do they dream this stuff up? Logistics and cost effectiveness would be off the scale, let alone security needs.

Thailand the hub of Brain Farts

“The proposal, seen by some as far-fetched,”

You don’t say..

"From Oil to Inmates: Thai Party Floats Offshore Prison Plan"

The closer to the election date, the weirder the policy proposals.

Stay tuned, it will only get more bizarre...

Should make Khó Tou into an Alcatraz it’s full of criminals already

Will they also get the on/off cycle like real rig workers?

are the leaders of the United thai nation party completly insane or just brain dead ??

23 hours ago, NanLaew said:

On 12/30/2025 at 8:19 AM, Gottfrid said:

Looks to me like the rig needs some maintenance. 

 

On 12/30/2025 at 7:22 AM, webfact said:

File photo for reference only

 

"File photo of rig in need of maintenance for reference only"

How about a trial run focussing on:
- all officers presently working in the "Ministry of Inactive Posts"
- all unruly politicians with less than white vests
- anyone caught corrupting (i.e. that would need some extra rigs I assume)
- all those men having fathered children and made a subsequent runner without leaving any alimony trail

Once those trial runs have been successful, extensions to the rest of the law breakers can be addressed.

On 12/30/2025 at 10:33 AM, MikeandDow said:

The problem is Thais are dreamers they come up with all theses big ideas then what happens NOTHING!!!!!

How can you tell if is election time. All the crackpot parties come up with their crackpot ideas.

Tablet for e very student guarantee 25k salary to every university grad

10k to everyone

Get rid of 500 &1000

Convert oil rigs to prison

Legalize marijuana

Can't wait to hear Tony8latest PTP must be running out of ideas

600 baht min wage

Anutim trying to emulate his hero. Build the wall

I love Thailand party promises to cut the 800k immigration but up taxes on all money that expats bring in the country at 30%

Better leasing to Chinese. Probably be a Casino up and running by end of week. Out of sight. Out of mind. Political officials get their percentage of profits.

Seriously though, better building new prison. One offshore on an oil rig would still require crew rotations.

That’s gonna go a long way in helping the Thai people. The guy needs to get out more have a reality check.

More crazy ideas 💡 from the establishment

Don't tell me they have been watching the daft Brits with their Ferry Prison ideas? They must have felt second class or a bit left out again - I mean they were left out of most important world actions, they weren't invited to the Ukraine so they had their own little skirmish with Cambodia and then went running for The Donalds' attention. "I know, tourist numbers are falling, economy in freefall, war with Cambodia, bombings and terror attacks down South, I know, lets have a Ferry Prison, it is good enough for a sophisticated developed first world nation, maybe we too can hope to enter that exclusive club Mark, what do you reckon"?

6 hours ago, Mason45 said:

Thailand the hub of Brain Farts

This could potentially explain the ongoing issues with smog and air pollution in Thailand. Reducing the emission of farts might contribute to improving overall air quality.😄

Of course, every time transport of guards, new prisoners.

Food to rig , water to rig. Electricity, so fuel to rig for generators.

And stil you have to do maintenance in which Thai are lazy.

Welding, painting all on sea ! Good idea!

Well maybe good for a Hannibal Lecter.

Out of sight, out of mind. Evil guards can get up to all sorts of mistreatment, and crooked guards will still br able to smuggle contraband.

Plus, Thailand isn't known for its maintenance prowess. Living on a rust bucket in the gulf could turn out to be an expensive project, but at least the inmates might have access to seafood...for a price of course.

On 12/30/2025 at 8:27 AM, redwood1 said:

This will be just perfect for Tony......But he would have to have his 5 star meals delivered by helicopter.....

Pizza's for the wardens would be iffy

How about instead of sewing mail bags

they drill for oil ?