Bang Kwang Central Prison, Maximum security prison in Bangkok, Thailand
Bang Kwang Central Prison consists of two main buildings with a central courtyard, located along the Chao Phraya River north of Bangkok.
The prison opened its gates in 1933 under the Thai Department of Corrections, following King Rama V's vision for a facility to house serious offenders.
The prison includes spaces where families gather to pray and maintain spiritual connections with inmates through visiting areas separated by plastic windows and bars.
Visitors must provide passport copies, store valuables, dress modestly, and follow strict security protocols before entering the communication areas with prisoners.
The facility employs an internal chit system where basic rations include rice and vegetables, while additional food items require separate purchase.
Location: Bangkok
Inception: 1931
Official opening: 1933
Address: 22 Soi Nonthaburi 1, Tambon Suan Yai, Amphoe Mueang Nonthaburi, Chang Wat Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand 11000
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 08:30-16:30
Phone: +6625250484
Website: https://m.facebook.com/bkp.prison
GPS coordinates: 13.84670,100.49286
Latest update: November 22, 2025 11:37
This collection brings together penal institutions that have marked the history of incarceration worldwide through their architecture, detention conditions, or roles in major historical events. From the Guantanamo Bay naval base in Cuba, established in 2002 for holding individuals suspected of terrorism, to high-security facilities like Red Onion in Wise County, Virginia, these sites document the evolution of penal systems across continents. Among the institutions transformed into memorial sites, Diyarbakır Prison in Turkey stands out for its conversion into a cultural center and museum since 2019. Its 24 dormitories spread over two floors, its cells, and corridors allow visitors to explore this chapter of Turkish penal history. In Argentina, Mendoza Prison, built in the early 20th century, reflects the prison practices of that era and the development of the regional judicial system. Other facilities remain operational and raise questions about prisoners' rights and incarceration conditions. Gldani Prison in Tbilisi caused national protests in 2012 after images exposing systemic abuses were released, leading to major reforms in the Georgian penal system. Ciudad Barrios Prison in El Salvador continues to function as a correctional center in the eastern region of the country. These sites, spread across multiple continents, provide documented insights into penal practices in various political and social contexts. From Rwanda to North Korea, passing through Colombia and the United States, they help understand the evolution of judicial and correctional systems while raising current issues related to detention and rehabilitation.
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