Narathiwat: Seven Malaysian women prisoners currently detained at Narathiwat Provincial Prison in southern Thailand are said to be involved in drug-related offences, according to Panata Yononarongdetkul, a crime management specialist (Women’s Wing) at the prison. She revealed that their offences included taking drugs, possessing drugs, or becoming ‘drug mules’ for distribution syndicates.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, most of these women are believed to have been deceived in various ways when offered luxury items and substantial rewards. Panata Yononarongdetkul noted that almost all of these women are still in their 20s. She expressed regret that due to their mistakes, they end up languishing in prison and advised women not to be easily deceived by the temptations offered by certain individuals, as these are likely tactics of drug syndicates.

She further mentioned that there are currently 454 female inmates, including the seven women from Malaysia, in the Narathiwat Provincial Prison. Despite the inmates coming from different countries, Panata Yononarongdetkul emphasized that all receive the same treatment because the prison management adheres to international standard operating procedures.

Meanwhile, a prisoner who identified herself only as Ana, 26, from Tumpat, shared her story. She was arrested for drug possession with her boyfriend at a hotel in Sungai Golok two years ago. Ana claimed that she did not know her boyfriend was carrying horse pills, leading to her eventual conviction and a five-year prison sentence. She expressed deep regret for trusting her boyfriend too much without considering the risks, acknowledging the harsh lesson she learned as a result.