FOR eight long years, he endured cramped, filthy jail cells.
Some mornings, he would wake up next to the stiff, cold bodies of those who had died during the night.
In his first year, he lost 8kg, and his fingernails and toenails fell off from malnourishment.
These are just some of the horrific memories that Michael (not his real name) has of his time in prison in Thailand.
The Singaporean was 25 when he arrested in Hat Yai in November 1998, and sentenced to nine years in jail for drug offences.
He claimed he had made the mistake of befriending a girl who turned out to be a drug dealer.
After serving close to eight years, he was released and repatriated to Singapore five months ago.
Although he's only 33 now, Michael looks much older.
The years he spent in foreign prisons have etched deep lines on his gaunt face.

Full story - Electric New Paper (http://newpaper.asia1.com.sg/printfriendly/0,4139,117790,00.html?)

The problem being that foreigners who have money when detained in thai prisons do not suffer as much as those who don't have money. The UK and Australian Embassy's provide financial support under their government's various prisoner loan schemes. This enables prisoners to purchase basic food items and medicines. Australian govt for example provides up to AUD$125 per month to Australian Nationals in foreign prisons.


An amount per month is deposited by the Commonwealth into the official prisoner account held at the prison. The Prisoner Loan Scheme was established in 1994, and is operational in several countries including Kenya, Benin, Indonesia, Philippines, Pakistan, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Peru, Ecuador, Burma, Colombia, Costa Rica, Argentina, Brazil, Cambodia and Laos. It is a vital service that has greatly assisted many Australians detained throughout the world. Loans under the Prisoner Loan Scheme can not be obtained to cover legal costs or bail. Loans must be repaid after the detainee is released from prison.

This type of loan can only be arranged if a detainee or prisoner is destitute and: equate medical facilities and other essentials (such as bedding, clothing and soap) are not provided by the prison; and
the prisoner is unable to organise for a loan to be provided from family or friends. The maximum of each loan for Australian prisoners is AUD125 per month for essentials and AUD20 per month for medical needs. Prisoners are required to repay any amounts they receive under the scheme, following their release from prison. During 2004 - 2005, the Australia Government provided assistance to 22 Australians imprisoned overseas under the Australian Government Prisoner Loans Scheme. The Australian Government issues these emergency loans according to a citizen's need and not on their ability to repay. For more information please refer Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade [DFAT]

The UK Government does similar. Sadly however, other countries are not able to provide this much needed support due to poor economic factors and policy.