KOTA BARU: Narathiwat Prison in Thailand has introduced several initiatives to support couples, including extended visiting times and plans for shared religious activities.
Narathiwat Provincial Prison Director Superintendent Surin Chantep said spouses of inmates are now allowed to meet twice a month, with visit durations extended from 15 to 30 minutes following the Covid-19 pandemic.
"This initiative applies to prison couples from all countries, including Malaysia.
"We want them to take this opportunity to discuss whatever they need," he said when met at his office.
Surin said Narathiwat Prison is the only facility in the region to implement such measures, which aim to help couples address their concerns.
Moving forward, xthe prison plans to allow Muslim couples to perform prayers together in a designated room.
"We want them to dress appropriately and later perform their prayers in a special room. If all goes well, we will start this initiative next year," he said.
When asked about a Malaysian singer and her husband who are being held at the prison, Surin said the couple can only meet during questioning sessions conducted by the Sungai Golok police.
"The two are still under detention and have yet to be charged. Normally, the investigating officer allows them to talk for about 15 minutes during these sessions," he said.
Narathiwat Prison is one of 13 correctional facilities in the southern province, currently housing 2,800 inmates from various countries.
Approximately 90 per cent of the prisoners are Muslims, including detainees from Malaysia and Myanmar.