The Foundation for Education and Development (FED), based in the southern Thailand province of Phang Nga, recently conducted its latest round of visits to Burmese migrants being held in the province’s two prisons. FED’s Prison Visit Program schedules regular, once-a-month visits to these facilities.

During November 2011, FED staffers visited prisoners held in both the Phang Nga and Takuapa confinement facilities. Books, magazines, food, medicines, and sports equipment were donated by FED to the 57 Burmese prisoners being held behind bars at these two locations.

Mr. Moe Wai, in charge of migrant issues for FED, said, “We sympathize with the plight of the prisoners regardless of their offenses. They are in prison for various reasons, ranging from petty crimes to more serious matters. Some were just in the wrong place at the wrong time and now find themselves locked up. We counsel the prisoners. We encourage the prisoners to help each other and instruct them in those good behaviors that will reduce their time of confinement. We also contact and work with the families of prisoners, who in many cases are unaware that their relative is being held.”

Mr. Aung Kyi, Director of FED’s Health Care & Education program, noted that, “Prison visits allow us the opportunity to track the physical and mental well being of the prisoners. We also use the visit as an opportunity to dispense much needed medicines to the prisoners.”

A Thai police jailer at the Takuapa prison was surprisingly supportive of the prison visit program, stating that, “My thanks to FED for meeting with our prisoners regularly. The prisoners certainly are grateful for the visits and for the concern expressed by FED. Regular visits give the inmates hope and encouragement and result in a healthier environment overall for everyone.”

The Foundation for Education and Development or FED (formerly Grassroots HRE) works to promote education, human rights, and the development of safe working environments for Burmese migrant workers and their families in Thailand. FED programs currently focus on Burmese migrants in Phang Nga, south Thailand and Mae Sot. FED works closely with other regional and international organizations to achieve its goals. For more information, please visit www.ghre.org

Contact:

Mr. Moe Wai

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Tel. 081 536 7758