Thailand: families from Thailand's deep south visit jailed relatives in Bangkok

18-01-2011 Photo gallery

Southern Thailand has been affected by violence since 2004, and ICRC delegates have been visiting people arrested in connection with the violence since it began. The ICRC has recently enabled 33 families to make the long trip from southern Thailand to Bangkok, to visit relatives held there in connection with the violence.

- "I want to see my grandson before I die," says Joh-hoh. Joh-hoh brought his grandson up after the parents split up when Emran (not his real name) was young. His grandson is currently in jail in Bangkok, a full day away by train.
  © ICRC / W. Wanichakorn
The visits are often emotional journeys for all concerned, as they offer a chance for prisoners and families to speak to one another freely and for much longer than the standard prison visiting times allow. For most detainees, many of whom are married and have children, these visits are a rare opportunity to see how their families are faring.
Since the programme started in 2005, 90 families have visited their relatives in prison.
As part of its international mandate, the ICRC conducts programmes like this one in many countries around the world.
- Joh-hoh lives with his daughter, son-in-law and their children in Saba Yoi, Pattani. Together they manage a small rubber plantation, but they had to sell part of the plantation to help Emran.
  © ICRC / W. Wanichakorn
- The whole family misses Emran. His aunt Sitimuewo and uncle Naraet proudly present certificates of academic excellence and other awards he collected at school.
  © ICRC / W. Wanichakorn
- Sitimuewo and Naraet pack two full bags of Emran's favourites, mostly local snacks. "He misses the food here," says Naraet.
  © ICRC
- Several families participating in the programme have gathered at the station. An ICRC field officer makes sure everyone is ready to board the train on time.
  © ICRC / W. Wanichakorn
- On this trip, the ICRC is sponsoring 33 families who cannot afford the cost of transport and accommodation.
  © ICRC / W. Wanichakorn
- Ahama’s son is in the same prison as Emran. He is bringing along his youngest son Riduan and his wife Rokiyoh. Like Naraet, Ahama will be seeing his son for the first time in six months.
  © ICRC / W. Wanichakorn
- Altogether, thirteen families are boarding the first train for the 18-hour overnight journey from Yala Railway Station to Bangkok.
  © ICRC / W. Wanichakorn
- The 18-hour journey has left many exhausted, but the families are delighted to be getting closer to seeing their relatives.
  © ICRC / W. Wanichakorn
- Naraet and his family prepare for the journey back to Pattani. They only saw Emran twice, for a total of just over four hours, but even this limited time spent together made the long journey worthwhile.
  © ICRC / W. Wanichakorn
- Naraet leaves the centre having visited his nephew for the second time during this trip. "It's always great to see him, to know that he’s doing well," he said.
  © ICRC / W. Wanichakorn
- Ahama checks the departure time of the train back to Pattani from his rented accommodation in Bangkok. The next visit will be in another six months.
  © ICRC / W. Wanichakorn

Thailand: families from Thailand's deep south visit jailed relatives in Bangkok

18-01-2011 Photo gallery

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