Friend of mine told me that at the prison out Mae Rim way the prisoners make gazebos, mostly from reclaimed (read stolen) teak, wood and bamboo etc., and sell them.

As I'm looking for one, just wanted to know if anyone knows anything about this: do they stil do it (as it was many years ago my mate came across this enterprise), if so whats the quality like, price etc.

Cheers for any insightful info.

I've seen prison produced wood furniture now and then sold in the big empty lot at Kamtien Market

That's an annual show and this year's has been and gone. Actually, I don't think the gazebo makers are the same as the furniture makers - they looked pretty commercial to me - and the prices were nothing to write home about. Trawl around Ban Tawai, especially at this time of year.

As you exit Arcade bus station onto Kaewnawarat Road, you'll see a government compound with a large green area opposite Arcade. I've been told this is a centre for teak furniture made by prisoners. I've never visited so can't confirm.