Cellphones Jammed In Thai Prison To Block Drug Dealings

[webfact]

Cellphones jammed in prison to block drugs

Published on December 18, 2010

In an attempt to tackle the long-standing problem of drug dealings being run by convicted dealers, Ratchaburi's Khao Bin prison will be the first to get mobile phone jamming devices.

Costing Bt50 million, the devices will be installed at eight locations on the premises to block phone calls between convicts and drug dealers. Even though the devices also disrupt the signals for prison officials and residents living nearby, no formal complaints have been received yet.

Next year, the devices will be installed in Bangkok's Khlong Prem prison as well as the Central Correctional Institution for Drug Addicts in the same compound, Nonthaburi's Bang Khwang and Nakhon Ratchasima's Khlong Phai prisons, director-general of the Corrections Department, Chartchai Sutthiklom, said yesterday.

He said corrupt prison guards sold mobile phones to inmates for between Bt120,000 and Bt150,000 each, as well as SIM cards for exorbitant amounts.

Meanwhile, Democrat MP Pramual Aim-pia, as a member of the House subcommittee in charge of the issue, has proposed that all drug convicts be detained in one prison, where cellphone signals are blocked and only relatives are allowed to visit.

He said it was likely that the Justice Ministry would agree to build a new prison in Nakhon Ratchasima over the next three years for this purpose.

Separately, border police arrested six men, including a minor, who are allegedly part of a gang selling amphetamines to inmates at a prison in Nakhon Si Thammarat. Four of the suspects had recently been released from prison.

Police also seized "ice" flakes and amphetamine tablets, with a street value of more than Bt400,000, as well as two handguns.

-- The Nation 2010-12-18

[londonthai]

"Next year, the devices will be installed in Bangkok's Khlong Prem prison as well as the Central Correctional Institution for Drug Addicts in the same compound, Nonthaburi's Bang Khwang and Nakhon Ratchasima's Khlong Phai prisons"

a nice tip off for the inmates (and corrupted wardens), where not to be transfered. By paying tea money they can be forwarded somewhere else

[animatic]

A good move, even if the super rich can bribe their way to another prison. They are in prison, it is not implied that they are granted outside communications as part of the deal. Even if not all are sequestered in phone-less accommodations, it still provides an increasingly closed and less drug infested incarceration for many. A good move, to shut down several avenues of corruption.

[Bagwan]

Any chance of corrupt prison guards being charged and incarcerated? That might help a bit too.

[asiawatcher]

Never ceases to amaze me how an institution such as a prison will allow guards cell phones in the work environment. Then even worse, the phones with prisoners. They should be made to check in the telecommunications gear at the job on arrival, Failure to do so or being caught with them, a warning then dismissal.

[uncletom]

Jammers block certain frequencies, so would figure that someone could figure out a communication device that could be up or below the blocked range. Like how about an American cell that runs on a different frequency band or WI FI communications, satellite or off of the prison's system. And if that did not work, there is surely something out there that can be substituted. Ham radio, walkie talkie to another outside connection.

uncletom

[OzMick]

Jammers block certain frequencies, so would figure that someone could figure out a communication device that could be up or below the blocked range. Like how about an American cell that runs on a different frequency band or WI FI communications, satellite or off of the prison's system. And if that did not work, there is surely something out there that can be substituted. Ham radio, walkie talkie to another outside connection.

uncletom

If a cell is ona different frequency, how does it connect to the service provider? You forgot to list semaphore, heliograph, smoke signals, and 2 cans on a length of string.

[Nisa]

I am fairly confident that if one would look into this that these devices were bought from an official or official's family member. To my knowledge inmates still are allowed to use public phones and/or receive visits. Not to mention you have corrupt guards willing to sell phones and no doubt will be willing to sell drugs ... as they did before because cell phone frequencies cannot bring (carry) in drugs or exchange cash for them. The only people that will benefit from this are those who sold the blocking devices and inmates who decide to take over the prison and cut hard phone lines.

[animatic]

Jammers block certain frequencies, so would figure that someone could figure out a communication device that could be up or below the blocked range. Like how about an American cell that runs on a different frequency band or WI FI communications, satellite or off of the prison's system. And if that did not work, there is surely something out there that can be substituted. Ham radio, walkie talkie to another outside connection.

uncletom

Tri-band blocking would be the logical installation.

[ballpoint]

Jammers block certain frequencies, so would figure that someone could figure out a communication device that could be up or below the blocked range. Like how about an American cell that runs on a different frequency band or WI FI communications, satellite or off of the prison's system. And if that did not work, there is surely something out there that can be substituted. Ham radio, walkie talkie to another outside connection.

uncletom

If a cell is ona different frequency, how does it connect to the service provider? You forgot to list semaphore, heliograph, smoke signals, and 2 cans on a length of string.

Not to mention prisoners with psychic abilities.

[Nisa]

Something tells me if you can buy a personal cell blocking device for under $25 (US) that covers 10 Meters that they didn't need to spend 50 Million Baht for a stronger signal.

According to this US report on blocking cell phones in prisons, "Blocking systems can cost as little as $1,000, but more powerful systems can cost tens of thousands of dollars"

Sounds like the prison over paid by more than about $1.5 Million US.

Edited December 18, 2010 by Nisa

[uncletom]

Jammers block certain frequencies, so would figure that someone could figure out a communication device that could be up or below the blocked range. Like how about an American cell that runs on a different frequency band or WI FI communications, satellite or off of the prison's system. And if that did not work, there is surely something out there that can be substituted. Ham radio, walkie talkie to another outside connection.

uncletom

If a cell is ona different frequency, how does it connect to the service provider? You forgot to list semaphore, heliograph, smoke signals, and 2 cans on a length of string.

Satellite dumb a**

uncletom

[uncletom]

Jammers block certain frequencies, so would figure that someone could figure out a communication device that could be up or below the blocked range. Like how about an American cell that runs on a different frequency band or WI FI communications, satellite or off of the prison's system. And if that did not work, there is surely something out there that can be substituted. Ham radio, walkie talkie to another outside connection.

uncletom

Tri-band blocking would be the logical installation.

Yes more effective to eliminate tri band frequencies, but then even satellite frequency bands run lower than that.

uncletom

[whybother]

Jammers block certain frequencies, so would figure that someone could figure out a communication device that could be up or below the blocked range. Like how about an American cell that runs on a different frequency band or WI FI communications, satellite or off of the prison's system. And if that did not work, there is surely something out there that can be substituted. Ham radio, walkie talkie to another outside connection.

uncletom

If a cell is ona different frequency, how does it connect to the service provider? You forgot to list semaphore, heliograph, smoke signals, and 2 cans on a length of string.

Satellite dumb a**

uncletom

It would be a bit hard to hide a satellite phone wouldn't it? They are quite a bit bigger than your standard mobile phone.

[animatic]

Jammers block certain frequencies, so would figure that someone could figure out a communication device that could be up or below the blocked range. Like how about an American cell that runs on a different frequency band or WI FI communications, satellite or off of the prison's system. And if that did not work, there is surely something out there that can be substituted. Ham radio, walkie talkie to another outside connection.

uncletom

Tri-band blocking would be the logical installation.

Yes more effective to eliminate tri band frequencies, but then even satellite frequency bands run lower than that.

uncletom

Yes, but only the really big fish can plump for one of them,

and also keep a connection paid up.

I am sure an jamming install rep can also scan for frequencies used in an area.

Satelite phones are not all on dishes, and so radiate 360 deg.

Some are4 pretty small, but hiding one if you can afford it is just a larger teamoney fee.

Edited December 18, 2010 by animatic

[Nisa]

Never having had occasion to visit a prison and look for Mobil phones, but I have observed the Thai system as it normally operates a few times. Unauthorized phone usage could probably is largely eliminated by requiring all prison personnel to check phones upon arrival for work and give them back when they go home after the work shift.

And have them check their drugs at the gate too. ;-)

Edited December 18, 2010 by Nisa

[slapout]

Never having had occasion to visit a prison and look for Mobil phones, but I have observed the Thai system as it normally operates a few times. Unauthorized phone usage could probably is largely eliminated by requiring all prison personnel to check phones upon arrival for work and give them back when they go home after the work shift.

[OzMick]

Jammers block certain frequencies, so would figure that someone could figure out a communication device that could be up or below the blocked range. Like how about an American cell that runs on a different frequency band or WI FI communications, satellite or off of the prison's system. And if that did not work, there is surely something out there that can be substituted. Ham radio, walkie talkie to another outside connection.

uncletom

If a cell is ona different frequency, how does it connect to the service provider? You forgot to list semaphore, heliograph, smoke signals, and 2 cans on a length of string.

Satellite dumb a**

uncletom

It would be a bit hard to hide a satellite phone wouldn't it? They are quite a bit bigger than your standard mobile phone.

They pick the smallest phone possible, because the usual place to hide it is in the anus. I suppose after a suitable period of incarceration, a satellite phone may be possible. Ask Tom, he seems to be the expert.

[aussiejosh]

criminals will always find a way. As long as there is profit in it, they will keep breaking the systems.

[uncletom]

Tea money to the guards to get them in is supposedly the most common way and tea money to keep them.

By the way, by the way, uncle tom is only a handle and is no way close to my name. Just like the name and uncleben was taken.

uncletom

[hanuman1]

I think it's safe to say someone in the prison service is making a large amount of money out of this.

[sirchai]

Any chance of corrupt prison guards being charged and incarcerated? That might help a bit too.

He said corrupt prison guards sold mobile phones to inmates for between Bt120,000 and Bt150,000 each, as well as SIM cards for exorbitant amounts.

Haven't met too many prisoners who could afford to pay me that much to bring them cell phones into prison. Might be that people here in Isan haven't got that much Jaba money....:jap:

[uncletom]

Jammers block certain frequencies, so would figure that someone could figure out a communication device that could be up or below the blocked range. Like how about an American cell that runs on a different frequency band or WI FI communications, satellite or off of the prison's system. And if that did not work, there is surely something out there that can be substituted. Ham radio, walkie talkie to another outside connection.

uncletom

Tri-band blocking would be the logical installation.

Yes more effective to eliminate tri band frequencies, but then even satellite frequency bands run lower than that.

uncletom

Yes, but only the really big fish can plump for one of them,

and also keep a connection paid up.

I am sure an jamming install rep can also scan for frequencies used in an area.

Satelite phones are not all on dishes, and so radiate 360 deg.

Some are4 pretty small, but hiding one if you can afford it is just a larger teamoney fee.

Not really sure. Lets relegate TV someone (anyone) to come up with a satellite monetary #. Not my specialty and don’t have the time. But I bet, they aren’t that expensive even formed- low level drug dealers or thugs (not bottom level), or criminals who make even $10,000 or below a month. Think...All to keep it going and insure their position.

But from the Way I read the news, the busted felons are caught with a substantial haul and assets. Of course not everybody, but what percent have the outside connections and funding? 1%, 5%, 12% 15%...?.

Think about this…

uncletom

[uncletom]

And by the way..How many cell phones are they really talking about per capita of convicts?

uncletom

[sirchai]

Tea money to the guards to get them in is supposedly the most common way and tea money to keep them.

By the way, by the way, uncle tom is only a handle and is no way close to my name. Just like the name and uncleben was taken.

uncletom

Hi Uncle Tom. Your post is so outstanding that you'll receive a one year free Somtham eating coupon next year. Thanks. Khop Khun Khrap Lung Tom. :jap:

[uncletom]

Tea money to the guards to get them in is supposedly the most common way and tea money to keep them.

By the way, by the way, uncle tom is only a handle and is no way close to my name. Just like the name and uncleben was taken.

uncletom

Hi Uncle Tom. Your post is so outstanding that you'll receive a one year free Somtham eating coupon next year. Thanks. Khop Khun Khrap Lung Tom. :jap:

I only eat somtum with the fermented fish sauce. No dried shrimp.

uncletom

n thanks for the comment.

[TheJalapenoKid]

"Cellphones jammed in prison to block drugs"

jammed where? *ouch*

[Bagwan]

Mobile phone companies keep records of every call made which includes the geographical position presumably of both sender and receiver . Would it not be easy to write a piece of software to access those records and highlight those to or from prisons? Given that the number is know all that one has to do is call that number, the phone rings and is promptly sequestered. The offender has another year added to his sentence and if he/she gives up the screw who supplied the phone then this is reduced to six months.

The appliance of Science.

[whybother]

Mobile phone companies keep records of every call made which includes the geographical position presumably of both sender and receiver . Would it not be easy to write a piece of software to access those records and highlight those to or from prisons? Given that the number is know all that one has to do is call that number, the phone rings and is promptly sequestered. The offender has another year added to his sentence and if he/she gives up the screw who supplied the phone then this is reduced to six months.

The appliance of Science.

Generally, they can identify the cell tower the call is going through, not the specific location of the phone.

[newtronbom]

The 'Central Correctional Institution for Drug Addicts' beside Klong Prem, has had these blockers for over 3 years. They are fixed outside each room in all the 'blocks' which house what are considered "serious" offenses. At least 4 blocks or more out of the 10 there contain jammers. As there "are NO public phones" at all available to these inmates, many of whom have families living too distant to visit, the bulk of these calls, are normal ones made to friends and family. Of course the calls concerning drugs are highlighted! All these jammers have some holes though, through which the inmates can usually call out. Also, for some strange reason, on some nights, the jammers are turned off for a few hours - also strange that the inmates seem to know just when this will happen. The normal prison guards (not officers) only get paid 9 to 15 thousand baht for the first few years. 100 thousand is a fortune to them.............