Death row prisoner' last moments live on the net

Thailand is to start live internet broadcasts of life behind prison walls - including convicts’ last moments before execution – in a bid to deter lawbreaking, especially a burgeoning number of drug dealers.

Though no date has been fixed to begin the broadcasts, cameras have already been installed at Bangkwang maximum security prison on the outskirts of Bangkok, which houses more than 6,000 inmates. Nearly 1,000 are sentenced to death, and 65 are awaiting execution with no appeals pending.

“From now on people can see life in prison through the internet,” said Corrections Department chief Nathee Chitsawang.

The broadcasts will show the inmates’ daily lives, as well as the last minutes of condemned men as they are being taken from their cells to execution, he said.

“The internet will show how we treat the convicts in their last minutes, including the preparation process, but at the time of execution, the viewer will be allowed to see only part of the process,” Nathee said.

Thailand executes drug traffickers. The purpose of the broadcasts was to make viewers, especially those tempted to deal in drugs, aware of the future they could face, he said. It will also show how his department carries out its work.