BANGKOK – Prison Escape Gone Wrong: One Man, A Wall, and a Deadly Shock
At just after midnight on December 25th, 32‑year‑old Wiwat Aksorsom slipped out of his cell in the CNN of a southern Surat Thani prison, together with a couple of fellow inmates. They tried to climb the 6‑meter walls—yes, six meters, not six feet—only to be greeted by a shocking surprise.
Electric Barbed Wire: A Prank That’s Literally Not Funny
As Wiwat brushed against the electrified barbed‑wire fence that crowns the perimeter, the surge was immediate and fatal. The prison’s super‑secure fence is a classic deterrent, but it became a cruel joke in this night’s escapade.
Col. Wanchai Palawan, the superintendent of Chaiya district police, told AFP, “They found him on the wall. He was dead because of the electric shock.” It’s an unforgivable twist when a prison’s safety measures turn into a shortcut to death.
What Went Wrong?
- Wiwat’s Arrest: 38 methamphetamine tablets in his possession.
- Guards and Congested Cells: Thailand’s prisons are packed—so tight that even the easiest escape routes become a death trap.
- Two Other Escapees: They didn’t touch the live wire; one landed on the opposite side, breaking an arm, and was re‑arrested. The other was found hours later during a perimeter sweep.
“Homesick” Surprises
“They say they’re homesick,” added Wanchai, hinting that grief might have spurred the inmates’ desperate attempt at freedom. The emotional appeal didn’t save anyone, though.
Beyond the Wall: Overcrowding and the Pressing Issue of Prison Reform
Thailand’s prisons are infamous for overcrowding. The nation’s strict drug laws keep “small‑time” dealers, users—including women—behind bars for years. Authorities are now debating measures like electronic ankle tags to reduce the strain. Meanwhile, the country faced criticism in June over a 26‑year‑old convicted for murder, who was executed by lethal injection in a backdrop that’s still under scrutiny.
In short, this incident is a stark reminder that even safety measures meant to keep people in, when not correctly managed, can send them straight out—permanently. Let’s hope reforms reduce the likelihood of future tragedies.
