Hi,
I thought I would start this thread so that we can introduce ourselves and offer each other some support and encouragement.

Writing to someone in an Asian prison comes with many problems that are particular to the region.
Foreign languages, unfamiliar legal systems and cultural differences are just a few hurdles that I can think of - what are your experiences, what advice can you offer someone in a similar situation?

About me: I write to a close relative in Fuchu prison (Tokyo, Japan) and I also correspond with a few guys in Thai prisons.

I look forward to meeting some new (and not so new ;)) faces here,

Rachel x

Hi Rachel,

As you already know I do write inmates in Thailand (Lard Yao and Bangkwang) and in Tokyo and Chiba in Japan. I have been also myself in Lard Yao, Bangkwang and Tokyo Detention Centre to visit my penpals.
I have tried to visit a woman in Tochigi prison in Japan but unfortunately I was not allowed to go inside.

Are there more people here? As I am just as curious as Rachel... hihihi

I write to one person in Indonesia

Well, welcome to you!!

I haven't actually gotten a response, but i'm not altogether worried about that, it writing to him is more in the way of offering support

Hello,

I have one penfriend in Tokyo and one in Thailand.

Iris

Iris, welcome to you!
Which units are your friends in?

Great to have you here!

Rach x

Jherek99....what prison is your friend in? I write to people in Indonesia too so I might be able to find out why you don't get a response.

Hello Ladyarkles,

I write to prisoners in Bangkwang in Bangkok. I am sick of reading about horrible prison conditions worldwide and a United Nations that does nothing about it. They conduct their hearings in private.

There is no reason why decent people should allow governments to get away with it.

I am an American expat, late 50's, living in The Netherlands. I look forward to hearing from anyone who is interested in raising the publics' consciousness regarding prison conditions.

Hi Reeshoffer,
Glad that you found us!

Rach x

:) This is my very first post, so it's all a bit new to me (as is writing to people in prison).

I am in the process of writing my first letter to my partner who is currently in Tokyo Detention Centre (a long way from home:([New Zealand] ).

Communications ban has just been lifted (it's been in place since Nov 2005), so am not sure about a lot of things regarding writing to a prisoner in Japan. Have e-mailed someone at the embassy in Tokyo so I'll hopefully know a bit more soon!

Hi there and welcome to PTO and the Asia Pacific forums!
My brother is also in prison in Japan.
If there is any info that you need that you can't find here, just post a question and we will try to get it answered for you.
Here is a good thread for info about Japanese prison conditions/regulations etc (http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=116787).
All the best,
Rachel x

Jherek99....what prison is your friend in? I write to people in Indonesia too so I might be able to find out why you don't get a response.

Sorry I didn't notice this earlier

Kerobokan Bali

Friend is a little strong, it was more a case of offering support in a difficult situation - which has recently gotten worse.

There is so much information on the internet. It's hard to know where to start! Reading that though I'm wondering if I will have problems writing to him or visiting as we are not married, though we do have children. Any thoughts on this?

I've read a lot about the way prisoners are treated at these places as well and I've been pretty worried that something might happen to him. Do you have the same concerns for your brother, or am I just overreacting? I guess it's just really frustrating not being able to do anything.

To be honest, from what my brother tells me, he is pretty safe.
The conditions are harsh and it gets cold, there is not a lot of food and prison work is menial and mind numbing.
But, the upside is that there does not seem to be much violence in the Japanese prison system as discipline is so rigidly enforced.
What he must ensure is that he tries to eat as well as possible, keep his mind and body healthy and try to learn as much Japanese as possible. Check with the embassy, but I am pretty sure you can send him an English-Japanese phrase book, dictionary or whatever.

The quicker he adjusts to the system the better, there is no flexibility and he will just have to bite that particular bullet asap.

You should be able to write to him, he has to make a list of his family members and as the mother of his children that should include you.
Visiting is very hard work and the visits are very short; you will be unable to be alone with him (from my experience) and I would seriously consider the cost and benefits to both of you of making that trip.

I know it seems very daunting, but it is an ordeal that can be survived. Get in touch with the NZ consulate in Tokyo and make them work for you, getting updates, helping you to put some money on his books etc. They will be your best inroads into helping him.

Hope you are OK in amongst all of this mess.
Thinking of you and yours,
Rach x

He hasn't seen our youngest child yet, so I have to go. I think it will help to get him through.

I wasn't really worried about the other prisoners as he can look after himself and gets on with most people, but everything I have read was about the guards.

After his appeal he will be going to Fuchu as far as I know and there are plenty of stories about it being a real hell hole. No amount of worrying will change anything though and in his letters he's more worried about me!

Yup, that is where my brother is at the moment.

Just got back from Tokyo and I'm really glad we went. I took the kids and at times it was hard, but it was all worth it. He unsuccessfully appealed his 4 year sentence, which seems very harsh to everyone (including the embassy person I'm in contact with) but I think it all comes down to his nationality unfortunately. Visits were 15 minutes in length (although when I went with an embassy officer they were extended to 30), but we were able to visit every week day, except the various holidays they have over the new year period. The kids liked him and seemed to bond with him a bit even through the glass! Hopefully we will be able to see him again in a year? I think it is good for him to have something to look forward to. Guess I'd better start saving for next time. Not sure where he will be transferred to yet, but Fuchu and Yokohama are both possibilities according to the embassy.

I write to two prisoners: one in Bangkwang and the other in Lard Yao ladies' prison. I should visit both for the first time next week hopefully when I fly over.

Does anyone want to do a post card swap? I have been to Thailand 10 times love it! love the people more..

I will happily send some postcards from Taiwan if you want to send to a couple of prisoners in Thailand?

Hi I have a son in Fuchu and am I glad I have found all you folks as it's someone to talk to and understands what we as loved one suffer.My son went to fuchu in 2002 so we have a long wait to see his smilie face again 2010 approx. He seems to be okay and writes real good letters home. The hard part well be for him is to get to know his little boy again on his return. I would love to visit but at this stage it's out of my reach, as I have his little boy most times and also long flights as I am from new Zealand also. Perhapes the other person may like to contact me that is here from NZ.
We can only be there for our loved ones. It is pretty hard over there compared with our system it's like a motel and a holiday here in prison. (it's a joke ). We need to get tougher laws here.

Bev:grouphug:

I am writting to my son in Fuchu Prison in Japan and have had no problems. I now get a letter from him at least once or twice a month, depending on who else in the family he has written to.He is now allowed to write several letters a month which also includes a few of his friends.He spent a month at Nariti airport cells for a month, then onto the Chiba Detention center, then to Fuchu. This process took six months. His release date is 2010/2011. He seems ok and writes some real great letters home.He draws some wounderful pictures for his little son to colour in. The NZ Embassy make a visit approx every couple of months. After each visit by the embassy they email me to let me know how he is and lets me know if he requires anything. They also take in the local papaer's form NZ for him. It is great to receive his letters.You may send books or papers thats about all. Hope this may help.take care.:wave:

Dear Bmac,
Thanks for posting the info about Fuchu.
Welcome to PTO, glad that you found us.

My brother was also in Fuchu now, thankfully, back home.

I hope that you will visit us regularly and let us know how he is getting along.

Rachel x

I am planning on writing someone in Klongprem LardYao Bankok, Thailand and wanted to know if there is a prisoner list to make sure the person is still at the same location?

tina

Getting accurate information is realy difficult.
I guess that the best thing to do is send a letter and hope you get a reply.
Depending on which nationality the prisoner is, you may get some further info from their relevant embassy/consulate/ representative office in Thailand.

my boyfriend in Hong Kong prison~(Hei Ling Chai) but he next year out =)

hk no any website can made penfriend with prison penfriend..........so, Hk prison too many loney guys~

and i have one penfriend from U.S.

Hi Vampi,

Welcome to PTO.
I'm glad to hear that your boyfriend is going to be released next year.
I'm not really sure what you were meaning to say about Penpals, could you clarify that please?

With best wishes,
Rachel x