Visiting Bangkwang Prison, Human Zoo or a Blessing?

On the subject of Tourist’s to Thailand coming to visit prisoners here in Bangkwang we have heard recently that quite a few interested  parties have been dissuaded from making a visit by one or two articles that have appeared in Tourist and Backpacking Publications. These articles suggest that prisoners do not like to receive visits from ‘Strangers’ because it makes them feel as if they are in some kind of ‘Human Zoo’ and are being visited out of the same curiosity that prompts people to stare at a monkey in a cage.

To set the record straight, nothing could be further from the truth. Prisoners have the right to turn down visits but as far as I know nobody ever has. We all enjoy getting visits whether it is from friends or strangers. If you are a stranger thinking of making a visit, you’ll have become a friend by the time the visit is over.

A visit, for most of us, can mean the difference between a very mundane and depressing day or the excitement and pleasure that meeting new people and contact with the outside world can bring. Many visitors who have come along intending to make a ‘one off’ visit have found themselves returning time and again, and firm friendships have developed. Indeed, many of our visitors stay in touch by mail (or through this website) after they have returned to their own countries.

The wonderful couple who administer this site for us, Paul and Ulla, have become great friends and invaluable allies in our struggles here. They too started off by making a visit to Steve here in Bangkwang after enquiring at the Embassy in Bangkok. Were it not for their decision to visit, this website would never have been brought into existence and you wouldn’t be reading this today.

Many of those that visit us have been recommended to do so by friends that have already been in to meet us before and we ourselves ask visitors to pass on details to other Tourist’s and people they may meet on their travels.

Your curiosity is natural and there is no need to feel anxious or awkward about visiting one of us. The visiting area is quite pleasant, perhaps more than you expect, and there will be plenty of time to chat providing you come early enough and allow yourself enough time. For our part we would like to assure you that we enjoy meeting anybody who’s interested in meeting us, are delighted to answer any questions you may have and will try to make your visit as enjoyable and memorable as possible. After all, we want you to come back!

Don’t concern yourselves with what the books have to say. We have yet to see one of those writers up here. It’s far better to see for yourself. We will always find it a pleasure to meet you so pop in and say “Hi” the next time you are passing through. Details of visiting days and times and how to get here can be found elsewhere on this site.

Come early to avoid disappointment!!