The Thai Khanh Training Department said on September 17 that the whole incident was just a " misunderstanding".
The incident originated from Watchara Phetthong, a former Democratic congresswoman who accused former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra of spending money to buy pizza for about 6,500 prisoners andmates, turning it into a party to build influence in prison. Watchara alleges that the amount spent on pizza far exceeded the maximum amount of money a prisoner allowed to spend every day.
This information immediately caused a stir in public opinion, because Mr. Thaksin was a figure with great political influence, while if there were any privileges or incentives, society would be even more skeptical about the fairness in prison.
Ms. Kanokwan Jiewchuaphan, Warden of the prison and Deputy Spokesperson of the Department of Rehabilitation, said that she had received a direct report from Mr. Padej Ringrod - the head chef of Klong prem prison. Accordingly, Mr. Thaksin is not a pizza buyer at all.
The pills on September 13 were given by some outside people, given to the police and security guards for traffic control and security around the area, and have nothing to do with Mr. Thaksin, said Ms. Kanokwan.
The official affirmed that the information spread was distorted, and emphasized that all expenses of prisoners were strictly controlled.
Kanokwan said wardens could allow prisoners to hold small parties on special occasions such as birthdays or New Year's Eve. However, these events are not allowed to take place regularly because they can create suspicions about bribery or influence.
The law is clear. If we misunderstand the fact that prisoners are free to attend parties, it will seriously affect the reputation of the reform system, said Ms. Kanokwan.
Former Prime Minister Thaksin is still in the prison's treatment area, spending most of his time reading. On September 16, he had a lung X-ray as part of a medical examination for the new prisoner, and underwent a number of other tests due to age.
Doctors said they have not detected any worrying conditions, but are still waiting for X-ray results to rule out tuberculosis.
Klong prem prison also confirmed that according to the regulation, relatives can visit prisoners twice a week - on Monday afternoon and Thursday morning. Lawyer Winyat Chartmontree and his daughter, Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, registered to visit Mr. Thaksin on the morning of September 15. The family can also contact the prison to learn about the conditions for amnesty or other benefits.
