Thailand to separate trans prison inmates from general population
Transgender inmates will be separated from the general population in prisons, it has been announced.
A Thai LGBT rights group this week announced a pilot programme for Bangkok’s Min Buri prison.
The programme is to ensure trans inmates are protected from abuse, say campaigners.
“While the population is not a large one, this campaign is not about the numbers but about protecting individuals from abuse,” Jetsada Taesombat of the Thai Transgender Alliance said on Wednesday.
It is estimate that 1.5 percent of the Thai population identify as trans or the third gender, which is accepted there, said the Alliance.
A study by Bloomberg showed that Thailand is the number one destination in the world for gender reassignment surgery.
In 2013, patients brought $4 billion USD in revenue in Thailand.
The British government promised a review last year of the way trans people in prisons are dealt with, after two female prisoners died within weeks of each-other while being held in all-male facilities.
A third prisoner, Tara Hudson, was moved to a female facility after a public campaign – and since her release has been vocal in criticising her treatment.
Last month another transgender woman was placed in a men’s prison, speaking out about fearing for her life.
