Imprisonment not only limits opportunities for individuals but also destabilizes families, especially when a key household member is incarcerated. This is particularly poignant for individuals labeled as "political prisoners" due to their political beliefs or actions that challenge governmental authorities. Thailand currently detains a significant number of political prisoners who require support and attention for their well-being in ways that may not be readily apparent.
The Freedom Bridge project was established with the objective of advocating for political prisoners in Thailand and campaigning for the release of all political detainees. The project serves as a platform to share the narratives of political prisoners and aims to raise awareness about their rights and living conditions to drive future improvements.
In addition to raising awareness, the Freedom Bridge project actively addresses the living conditions of political prisoners by providing essential support to enhance their quality of life. This task, though overlooked by some, is essential and must persist until all political prisoners are released in Thailand.
Support for political prisoners gained momentum following the arrest and imprisonment of "Arnon Nampa," a lawyer and human rights activist, in late 2020. Upon discovering the poor conditions of food and water in prison, Arnon's family began sending provisions to ensure his well-being during detention. The public, concerned about Arnon's welfare, also rallied to contribute to his care, sparking fundraising efforts to procure food, beverages, and essential supplies for Arnon.
Beyond Arnon, many others faced arrest and imprisonment for political reasons during that period. Arnon's family acted as intermediaries, accepting public support to provide sustenance and financial aid to all political prisoners in detention.
From late 2020 to 2021, Arnon's family managed a temporary fund with the help of volunteers and other prisoners' relatives to procure essentials for political detainees. The fund ceased operations in 2022 as most political prisoners were granted bail.
Later, on September 26, 2023, Arnon received a four-year prison sentence for his participation in the #Mob14October rally at Democracy Monument in October 2020. In response to concerns about Arnon's well-being, his family resumed sending provisions to him and initiated a fundraising campaign to support other political prisoners. This time, the focus was on operating the support fund systematically and efficiently.
The support fund evolved into the Freedom Bridge project, dedicated to aiding and advocating for political prisoners in Thailand. The project concentrates on enhancing living conditions for detainees and gathering comprehensive information about their situations.
Currently, the project provides support by supplying provisions to at least 27 political prisoners across four prisons:
Bangkok Remand Prison: 18 prisoners
Khlong Prem Central Prison: 6 prisoners
Central Women Correctional Institution: 2 prisoners
Narathiwat Provincial Prison: 1 prisoner
Moreover, the project deposits monthly funds to 14 political prisoners in 11 different prisons, including Narathiwat Provincial Prison in the Deep South of Thailand, Bangkok Remand Prison, Chiang Rai, Provincial Prison in the North of Thailand, Chiang Mai Provincial Prison in the North of Thailand, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Provincial Prison, Chonburi Women’s Correctional Institution in the eastern region of Thailand, Thonburi Women’s Correctional Institution, Thonburi Special Prison, Minburi Special Prison, Central Narcotics Correctional Institution, Central Women’s Correctional Institution
In addition to aiding at least 41 political prisoners, the project extends support to families with young children or elderly members, offering assistance such as powdered milk and diapers. Financial aid is also provided to families in need, with a monthly allowance matching that of the detainee, benefiting four families.
The support package for political prisoners includes essential living items worth up to 2,000 baht, food assistance up to 350 baht per meal for three meals daily.
The project provides a monthly deposit of 3,000 baht via postal money order or direct deposit through relatives. Political prisoners in Bangkok prisons can choose between monthly financial support or food aid.
Alongside supporting detainees, the project assists their families, particularly those caring for young children or ill relatives, by offering:
- A monthly stipend of 3,000 baht per family, or
- School fees support up to 3,000 baht per semester, or
- Essential child-rearing items like diapers and milk, up to 3,000 baht monthly, or
- Essential supplies for families with ill members, such as adult diapers, up to 3,000 baht monthly
Upon the release or completion of sentences of political prisoners, the project provides a one-time support payment of 5,000 baht and collaborates with organizations to help them secure employment, ensuring a fresh start and restoring their dignity.
