Prison Stories

[Star Dust]

Now a freeman again, and back home in the Eesan, I thought to post a couple of chapters from the texts I've written while I was a prisoner in Thailand in 2011 and 2012, and I encourage everyone who has a similar experiences to join me doing so. I don't want to bother you with horror stories and daily life in prison, but there are some interesting topics I came along.

None of this is fictional and has happened exactly the way I will describe it. If anyone feels offended by this, I must apologize in advance, for it
is the truth and nothing but the truth. You’re welcome to comment or criticize, and/or ask for more.

Original Text:

Those who give up liberty for safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.

The cell is rotten and dirty that not even ants or cockroaches dare to come in here. It’s build entirely of concrete, except of the iron bars. The floor is covered with a thick, black and a sticky layer of human sweat, skin, and who knows what. The walls are written on all over with names, dates, and destinies.
There is no toilet, but a hole in the ground. Still there is hope, I hope.

Since I’m sharing this lovely place with fourteen political refugees from Burma, I’ve thought to speak my mind:

The reason why we are sitting in this misery, is what our society calls ``Deportation``. In Thailand deportation doesn’t mean that you get deported because you have broken the law, or are not welcome. Not at all… It’s because of expired Visas, or work permits, or because of no
documentation at all.

NOW, the harsh thing about every individual that is going to get deported from Thailand is that you will be treated far worse than a
common Thai criminal. You will be considered SUBHUMAN for you have no permission to stay in this country, and you lose your freedom and liberty as long as you will have to stay; NO matter where you from. Documents have more value than a human life. In the name of documents – the mammons are degrading, humiliating, incarcerating, starving and shipping human Beings with no regard for their physical or emotional state whatsoever, to only protect their own safety, and for profit of course. It is a master example for the rich taking advantage of the poor.

Rich Thai construction co-operations would import cheap Labor from Burma, Vietnam and Cambodia to increase their profit, or should I say,
maximize their profit, since cheap labor from those countries work for less than 5$ a day on 16 and more hour shifts. This laborers are stuffed
in so called housing camps, which are nothing else than bamboo huts. Men, women, children, and entire families from those countries, who are
political refugees, wanted by their own governments, or police, or are dreamers, or just because they are flat-out poor; let themselves be
recruited in hope to have a better future. They have to pay a recruitment fee, and they have to pay Coyotes (who work for Police or Military) in order to get smuggled across the borders.

Once they are in Thailand they have to provide everything by themselves except rent, and they are provided with absolutely no documentations whatsoever by the construction companies. They are completely cheap, illegal day labourers, and just used, like you would use toilet paper to discard once you have used it.

The Thai immigration then goes on men-hunts. They would set off to search construction sites, camps, and companies to “capture” illegal worker. The Thai immigration just doesn’t do that while they are on duty, or because it is their duty. Oh, no. It’s a profitable sport to them.

Some illegal workers, who managed to save some money, which is a miracle itself anyway, have to pay protection to the Thai police to work
as their spies. So, these spies have no other choice then give up their own people to the Thai Immigration in order to have a better life.
Sounds familiar, if you know about simple politics, especially around the 2nd world war, doesn’t it? The police look for illegal workers 24 hours a
day, whether they are on duty or not. The police would demand bribes from the construction companies, but still arrests all the companies illegal
workers, because the more illegal construction workers they arrest and deport, the quicker they would get a promotion, and of course, to get
more salary. And it is the same police that except bribes from the Coyotes so they can smuggle the cheap labour workers back into Thailand again, and that within 1 hour. The Thai police profits from everyone at ALL TIMES.

From my 14 fellows I share my cell with, who are all Burmese, only one speaks Thai. His name is “AET”. His name is only “AET”, since the Burmese DO NOT HAVE surnames.

He explained to me that his wife and six children live in a small village in Burma, which is getting terrorized by the Burmese military all the time.
He hasn’t seen or heard from them in a year, because his wife doesn’t own a mobile phone, and that he doesn’t know whether they are all alive
or not. He has been coming to Thailand since more than 7 years, and has been deported and re-entered Thailand more than 20 times; he says.
From the money he makes on the construction sites in Thailand, he would only buy rice for himself, and would send whatever he has left to his wife and kids, not even knowing if they could, or would be able to receive it.
You see. He has nothing, but sacrifices everything.

This time, he says, he must return to his village, but he doesn’t know whether he will meet his family, or bury them, because the Burmese
military killed them, and left their bodies to rot in the fields.

“AET” is only 25 years old, and is a man of honour and courage. And he is only one of thousands. You probably can’t imagine that. But it’s just like that. Day in, and day out.

One might wonder if western tourists, who come to have a 5 star holiday in Thailand, realize that their utilities they have been using were built by
people like “AET”. All I see the westerners do is complaining about things which are completely unimportant and un-necessary things.

“AET” told me that; Once he bought a disposable KODAK camera to make pictures of the tropical beaches on Kho Samui, for when he returned
home, he could show his wife and children, how a beach looked like.

When he took the pictures on the beach, he did so near a 5 Star hotel, and when he saw a couple of western tourists walking on the beach, he
approached them.
He wanted to thank them for coming on a holiday to Thailand, because it gives him an opportunity to gain employment, in order to support his
family, but the only thing he could say in English was; “Heerro, what name you”?
The tourists then complained to the hotel management, that a strange man bothered them on the beach wanting to know their names.
The local Thais then beat AET so badly up, that he suffered several broken rips, a broken arm, two broken fingers, and a fractured skull,
because they thought he had really bothered the tourists.
He said that it took him 3 hours to crawl back to his shelter. “AET” couldn’t go to hospital for he is an illegal worker. He couldn’t work for 2
month, but he said that he was happy that the film in the camera was still intact, and that the pictures could have been developed. His is still
hiding those very pictures under his short, so the police can’t take them away from him, for ONE DAY he could show them to his family. Dead or
alive.

After “AET” had finished telling me about his life he went quiet and didn’t say a word for the rest of the day. And at some point he just
started shivering all over his body, crying out loud for his children and wife. A man so heart-broken, so in pain, and lost. I tried to hug him and
comfort him, and there we sat crying, and it wasn’t just me and “AET”.

There were a few others, whose stories I haven’t told yet.
But, back there, we were then just sitting there on that concrete floor in our cell of the Surathani Police Station hoping that they will give us some
plain rice to eat today and wonder when they finally let us return home.

For the wicked surround the righteous, perverse judgment proceeds.

I, myself, was imprisoned for 223 days, and have been released from Thai prison 32 days ago.
Until now, my deportation process has been a 29 day stay in the Kho Samui Police Station in Chaweng Beach, and I do not know how long I
will be staying here in the Surathani Piloce Station, and how long I will be staying in the Ranong Police Station close to the border to Burma, and
I do not know how long I will be staying at the International Detention Centre (IDC) in Bangkok, before they let me finally pay for my flight
ticket back to Europe. All I know is that I miss my wife and son, and that I wish to be reunited with them, one day, any day in the future, for that is the only thing I want, for that is the only thing that really matters to me.

There are no perfect situations in life.
You need courage to face whatever comes,
to realize, that what you cannot solve,
you can out-last, and out-love.

Star Dust
15th of March,2012

[TerryLH]

"In Thailand deportation doesn’t mean that you get deported because you have broken the law, or are not welcome. Not at all… It’s because of expired Visas, or work permits, or because of no

documentation at all."

"...expired Visas, or work permits, or because of no documentation at all."

You don't consider those things breaking the law?

Can you tell us why you were in jail?

Terry

[Kilgore Trout]

"In Thailand deportation doesn’t mean that you get deported because you have broken the law, or are not welcome. Not at all… It’s because of expired Visas, or work permits, or because of no

documentation at all."

"...expired Visas, or work permits, or because of no documentation at all."

You don't consider those things breaking the law?

Can you tell us why you were in jail?

Terry

Agreed, this guy seems to thinks he's nelson mandela or something because he spent a few weeks in the clink; probably for having weed or something......

[Lancelot]

You don't consider those things breaking the law?

How about the punishment fitting the "crime" ?

[vtjforyou]

Thank you for your report. Will you share more ? How can you be in Thailand now if deported ?

[Star Dust]

"In Thailand deportation doesn’t mean that you get deported because you have broken the law, or are not welcome. Not at all… It’s because of expired Visas, or work permits, or because of no

documentation at all."

"...expired Visas, or work permits, or because of no documentation at all."

You don't consider those things breaking the law?

Can you tell us why you were in jail?

Terry

No Terry, I don't consider those things breaking the law. But the immigration police does. In IDC were tourists detained under conditions you possibly can't imagine for overstaying their Visas for just a day or two. The Deportation Process in Thailand is like that. Yeah, if you overstay and go pay for that, then that's fine, but if you get arrested on an overstay, they will send you to IDC.

In my case I did time because I caused a traffic accident under the influence where a Thai guy broke his pinky. I offered enough money to compensate, but apparently that wasn't enough, so at the end I just refused to pay. I deserved doing time, don't get me wrong. After nine times attending court I was sentenced to freedom because the court got tired of me, an by that time I've stayed already longer in prison, then my sentence would have been. I walked out the front gate of the Kho Samui Deprtment of Corrections and was greeted by the immigration police and a pair of hancuffs. My Visa ran out while I was in prison. That's why I got deported.

[aTomsLife]

"but the only thing he could say in English was; “Heerro, what name you”?

If your story is true, it's remarkable "Aet" was able to learn enough English to convey such a story to you, having been working 16-hour days the whole of his time in Thailand, without any genuine exposure to westerners.

Edited February 26, 2013 by aTomsLife

[Star Dust]

Thank you for your report. Will you share more ? How can you be in Thailand now if deported ?

I will share more. Let's see if this first part is appreciated.

I was released from prison, and re-arrested for overstaying my Visa while imprisoned.

1.)The fine at court would have been 20.000 THB, but by the time I got sentenced I did already enough time because 1 day in a Thai prison is worth 200 THB for the court. So I compensated the fine with the days I was imprisoned without ever being given the chance to actually pay for that. The 750.000 THB in compensations for the Thai guy with broken the pinky I never had to pay. They left that up to me. I was given one year probation.

2.) I was re-arrested by immigration in front of the prison, cause my Visa had run out by that time. I was sent back to the same court, with the same judge, paid 1000 THB fine for my overstay. That took one month, while I was detained in the police station. Then another month in the Surrathani policestation, another 5 days in the Ranong police station, and another 3 weeks in IDC.Finally the Austrian Embassy was allowed to pay me a visit to get the cash for the flight ticket. Sadly that's all they could really do for me.

I could come back to Thailand and was not Blacklisted because of my case.

Thai immigration in IDC explained it like this.

Small Cases like traffic offenses, overtayed Visas (even 5 or 10 years which is not so uncommon by the way) are not blacklisted, as long the fines are paid. But if you get extradited then 99 years.

Big Cases: Theft 5 years

Roberry(armed or not) 99 years

Murder: 99 years

Sex Offenders (Pedophiles) 99 years (if not killed or died of starvation in prison)

Drug Cases: Weed ; less then one kilo, 5 years.....one kilo or more 99 years

All other drug cases 99 years

So I was not Blacklisted.

[jambco984]

"In Thailand deportation doesn’t mean that you get deported because you have broken the law, or are not welcome. Not at all… It’s because of expired Visas, or work permits, or because of no

documentation at all."

"...expired Visas, or work permits, or because of no documentation at all."

You don't consider those things breaking the law?

Can you tell us why you were in jail?

Terry

No Terry, I don't consider those things breaking the law. But the immigration police does. In IDC were tourists detained under conditions you possibly can't imagine for overstaying their Visas for just a day or two. The Deportation Process in Thailand is like that. Yeah, if you overstay and go pay for that, then that's fine, but if you get arrested on an overstay, they will send you to IDC.

In my case I did time because I caused a traffic accident under the influence where a Thai guy broke his pinky. I offered enough money to compensate, but apparently that wasn't enough, so at the end I just refused to pay. I deserved doing time, don't get me wrong. After nine times attending court I was sentenced to freedom because the court got tired of me, an by that time I've stayed already longer in prison, then my sentence would have been. I walked out the front gate of the Kho Samui Deprtment of Corrections and was greeted by the immigration police and a pair of hancuffs. My Visa ran out while I was in prison. That's why I got deported.

Great thread.

So how are you still here in Thailand? Surely you where deported?

Edited February 26, 2013 by jambco984

[TommoPhysicist]

"but the only thing he could say in English was; “Heerro, what name you”?

If your story is true, it's remarkable "Aet" was able to learn enough English to convey such a story to you, having been working 16-hour days the whole of his time in Thailand, without any genuine exposure to westerners.

Maybe the OP can speak Thai.

I know a western guy who has been in Thai prisons (drugs offences), he came out speaking perfect Thai.

Deported at the end of his prison sentence, applied for new passport, returned immediately, still here.

Thailand doesn't really check incoming foreigners all that carefully.

Edited February 26, 2013 by TommoPhysicist

[Star Dust]

You don't consider those things breaking the law?

How about the punishment fitting the "crime" ?

You mean starving for days at end, having no access to drinkingwater, wearing leg irons, getting put in isolation for no other reason then being suspected of escaping soon, or getting beaten for taking a shit at night for drunk driving and crashing my bike.

I don't know? You tell me.

[Star Dust]

"but the only thing he could say in English was; “Heerro, what name you”?

If your story is true, it's remarkable "Aet" was able to learn enough English to convey such a story to you, having been working 16-hour days the whole of his time in Thailand, without any genuine exposure to westerners.

Maybe the OP can speak Thai.

I know some western guys who have been in Thai prisons (drugs offences), they came out speaking perfect Thai.

Only a few can manage. I have been working in Thailand for more then 12 years. I fluent in 4 languages including Thai. That made things easier for me on the inside. But it doesn't help at court. A prisoner (especially foreign) speaking in Thai to a judge is an insult to court. That I learned on my first day in court.

[Star Dust]

"In Thailand deportation doesn’t mean that you get deported because you have broken the law, or are not welcome. Not at all… It’s because of expired Visas, or work permits, or because of no

documentation at all."

"...expired Visas, or work permits, or because of no documentation at all."

You don't consider those things breaking the law?

Can you tell us why you were in jail?

Terry

Agreed, this guy seems to thinks he's nelson mandela or something because he spent a few weeks in the clink; probably for having weed or something......

I'm no Nelson Mandela. I'm just some guy who xxxxxx up. And thank you, but I don't smoke.

The point is not my story about my suffering in prison. It's about the stories and topics I came along in my 7 month in prison and 3 month in deportation detention that I'd like to share.

Edited February 27, 2013 by metisdead
: Profanity

[TommoPhysicist]

I liked the story, forget the ramblings of the overly judgemental 'hang'em high' brigade.

[Star Dust]

"but the only thing he could say in English was; “Heerro, what name you”?

If your story is true, it's remarkable "Aet" was able to learn enough English to convey such a story to you, having been working 16-hour days the whole of his time in Thailand, without any genuine exposure to westerners.

I studied Thai for more then 8 years, and Aet did speak fairly good Thai.

[Jimbo]

Please keep posting parts of your story. It's a good read.

[Star Dust]

"but the only thing he could say in English was; “Heerro, what name you”?

If your story is true, it's remarkable "Aet" was able to learn enough English to convey such a story to you, having been working 16-hour days the whole of his time in Thailand, without any genuine exposure to westerners.

Maybe the OP can speak Thai.

I know a western guy who has been in Thai prisons (drugs offences), he came out speaking perfect Thai.

Deported at the end of his prison sentence, applied for new passport, returned immediately, still here.

Thailand doesn't really check incoming foreigners all that carefully.

You're right. But the names and photographes do remain in the immigration files. Maybe entering is more easy then exiting. There are plenty of guys in prison thinking about that option. Even in my case the police is still aware that I did time here. Nevertheless I picked up my Workpermit last week.

[Star Dust]

Please keep posting parts of your story. It's a good read.

I will. One a week. But some will be censored I'm afraid.

Thanks...

[Johnniey]

A prisoner (especially foreign) speaking in Thai to a judge is an insult to court. That I learned on my first day in court.

I think you mean a foreign prisoner speaking pidgin Thai to a judge is an insult. When I've spoken in Thai to a Judge he told me that he was very impressed.

[GooEng]

Interesting thread. Keep it coming....

[Star Dust]

A prisoner (especially foreign) speaking in Thai to a judge is an insult to court. That I learned on my first day in court.

I think you mean a foreign prisoner speaking pidgin Thai to a judge is an insult. When I've spoken in Thai to a Judge he told me that he was very impressed.

If you were a prisoner, I mean the kind with leg irons on, then I'm impresed.

[welsh1]

Good read, no matter what others think, keep them coming

[aTomsLife]

"but the only thing he could say in English was; “Heerro, what name you”?

If your story is true, it's remarkable "Aet" was able to learn enough English to convey such a story to you, having been working 16-hour days the whole of his time in Thailand, without any genuine exposure to westerners.

Maybe the OP can speak Thai.

I know some western guys who have been in Thai prisons (drugs offences), they came out speaking perfect Thai.

Only a few can manage. I have been working in Thailand for more then 12 years. I fluent in 4 languages including Thai. That made things easier for me on the inside. But it doesn't help at court. A prisoner (especially foreign) speaking in Thai to a judge is an insult to court. That I learned on my first day in court.

Ah, I see. Thanks for explaining.

[overherebc]

What exactly is the OP's problem.?

Didn't read all the posts but fairly sure he's from the states

Edited February 26, 2013 by overherebc

[h90]

What exactly is the OP's problem.?

Didn't read all the posts but fairly sure he's from the states

He wrote: "Finally the Austrian Embassy was allowed to pay me a visit to get the cash for the flight ticket."

[Yo Sup]

I liked the story, forget the ramblings of the overly judgemental 'hang'em high' brigade.

I liked the story also, and want to know more. As for the "hang 'em high" brigade...you get empathy in the "character building years" of your youth, or not...

[Satcommlee]

Thanks for sharing, the more I read about these places, the more well behaved I become!

the "Hang them high" brigade have never done anything wrong in their lives, so please excuse them.

I think a book of other peoples stories are much better than the usual Prison stuff we read (usually over-exaggerated)

[Chittychangchang]

What does not break the man makes the man, try reading Papillion.

Good on the Op for sharing his stories and all the best for your future.

[FrisoPee]

Thanks for sharing. Can't really believe some people on this forum posting with such disrespect... Love to hear more of your stories.

[sms747]

Excellent stuff, i would be interested to know about your legal representation and more on the court proceedings