Hello,

I'm trying to find out any recent information regarding Bangkwang Central Prison.
Also, I would like to hear from people who are also writing to people in Bangkwang. I write to 3 people there.

Thanks

Hi.
What specifically do you need to know? There's the Foreign Prisoner Support Service that has heaps of information about Bangkwang and full prisoner lists etc....:D

I write to a guy there and I'll be visiting him next week when I fly over. If anyone's visiting soon you'll be pleased to know that they have visitor phones fitted now so there's no need to shout across the gap anymore. Much quieter...

Can someone please tell me what they can receive in the mail besides just letters and cards? What about books, comic books, things from the internet, post cards, etc.
Thx in advance

Hi KoreysMom,
They can get books, comics, magazines, photographs etc.
I send little care packages to my friend which include soap, jam, toothpaste, biscuits etc etc. As long as it is not fresh food or alcohol, most foodstuffs will get in.
I have also sent cassette tapes that I have taped music on to and CD's that I have made on the computer.

Does that give you a little more idea as to what you can send?
Please ask if you need to know anything else.
I shall be visiting Bangwang in Dec.

Rachel x

Thank you Rachel! That helps me a lot. :)
I've been told that I should send anything other than letters registered mail or items will go missing. Is that true?
Thanks in advance

I never bother with registered mail, but if I send a parcel I always put a "contents" list at the top of the pile.
He will be called to the office to witness it being opened anyway, so send a parcel with bits and pieces in, rather than a single item. They don't have to be present when that is opened.

Hugs,
Rach x

Thank you for your help
Enjoy your visit! :D

Ladyarkles, I've just put some things together to send to my Thai pal and have a question if thats ok. I'm sending him some writing paper, envelopes, stickers, some blank greeting cards and a crossword puzzle book. I've put them all in a large brown envelope, but do you think it could get torn or possibly destroyed by the time it reached Thailand? Maybe I should put it in one of those bubble envelopes? Thx in advance
Carol

Personally, I would go to the post office and get one of those cardboard mailing envelopes that will hold all of your stuff.
It may cost an extra dollar or two but it will be strong enough to make sure that it gets there in one piece.
Also that way you can wrap it and get it mailed in just one visit. Bubble envelopes are ok, but still tear up when handled too roughly!

Let us know if he receives it OK!

Does anyone know if I can send a map of Canada to Bangkwang?

Yup, I think that should be OK, just make sure it says CANADA in big letters!! LOL
If they reject it they will just throw it away so make sure it isn't an expensive one.

My pal FINALLY received the package I sent him. He was moved to a different building so it took forever!!
In my letter to him, I mentioned that I had read the book "4000 days, My Life and Survival in a Bangkok Prison." He said he'd like to read it and wants me to send it to him. I have no problem with that, but I read somewhere that its a no-no to send anything about prison.....is that true??

Hmmm, don't know can't give you a definite answer on that. I would say you probably won't be able to.
Why not try photocopying some of Chapter 1 and see if he can get that?
If it does then try a bit more, and then maybe send the book if those excerpts get through?

Would a musical birthday card get through?
Or maybe one of those huge cards?

I would say "try it"!

The administration is changing all the time at Bangkwang and rules are coming and going.

If you don't mind the possibility of it ending up in the trash can, then go ahead and send one. Let us know how you get on!!

Rach xx