Prison Shockwave! Warden Removed After Evidence of Grey Chinese VIP Privileges and Smuggled Models Found

On November 16, 2025, the Ministry of Justice ordered the immediate transfer of Manop Chomchuen, the warden of the Bangkok Remand Prison, to serve as an inspector of the Department of Corrections. The urgent move followed a surprise raid that uncovered alleged corruption and preferential treatment given to a group of “grey Chinese” inmates. The findings shook the corrections system, revealing indications that some inmates had used money and influence to secure luxurious privileges far beyond standard prison conditions, prompting the sensational label, “VIP Prison.”

The scandal initially surfaced after Thai inmates complained that certain Chinese prisoners were receiving privileges far superior to those of other inmates. These included living in exclusive groups, having Thai inmates assigned to serve them, and using money to obtain prohibited items inside the prison. To prevent information leaks, long known internally as the “salt becoming worms” problem, the Department of Corrections deployed a special task force to conduct an unannounced, zero-warning raid.

When the task force searched three detention zones, particularly Zone 3, where most grey Chinese inmates were held, officers found numerous forbidden items. These included electrical appliances such as microwaves, portable air-conditioners, high-end fans, and electric kettles, as well as sharp objects like knives and lighters. Despite being labeled as “donations,” these items were being used as exclusive privileges for the Chinese inmates, signaling a high degree of irregularity within the facility.

Investigators also discovered that the group exercised influence by hiring Thai inmates, who could communicate in Chinese, to act as personal aides in exchange for various benefits. The grey Chinese inmates were organized in a tiered system, occupying three zones in the prison. Leaders of the group stayed together in designated areas, while subordinates were placed in separate zones.

Perhaps the most alarming revelation was that certain Chinese inmates were able to hire top-tier models from overseas for sexual activities inside the prison. Reports indicated payments reaching millions of baht per visit. The women were smuggled into the facility through a special route, entering via the warden’s office on the second floor before being escorted to a secret room under the staircase, an area covertly repurposed for sexual encounters and bypassing all standard screening procedures.

During the November 16 raid, officers discovered critical evidence in the hidden room, including used condoms, tissues, and semen traces. Some reports claimed that officers even caught a Chinese inmate and a woman in the act. All evidence was collected for DNA testing and further investigation. Prior inspections had already found condom boxes and, on some occasions, women inside the prison grounds.

In response, the Department of Corrections transferred 14-19 involved officers and established a formal inquiry committee. The investigation is led by Phaitoon Mongkolhatthi, Inspector of the Department of Corrections, with Deputy Director-General Yutthana Nakrueangsri, currently acting as warden, assigned to oversee close monitoring of the prison.

The committee is scheduled to question Manop Chomchuen and the 15 transferred officers starting November 24. Meanwhile, the department ordered the immediate removal of all prohibited items from the detention zones and instructed staff to strictly adhere to regulations. Officials emphasized that this operation is part of the “Five Steps of Corrections Reform,” which aims to strengthen transparency and rebuild trust in the corrections system.

The Department of Corrections reiterated that disciplinary and criminal action will be taken against anyone found guilty. The scandal is seen as one of the most significant in years, potentially triggering sweeping reforms to prevent prisons from becoming havens of illicit influence and special privileges for wealthy or powerful inmates.

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Source of material: official media /online news