Vice Essentials Season 1 Episode 34 Thai Prison Fights

In Vice Essentials season 1 episode 34, titled Thai Prison Fights, viewers are taken on a journey inside the notorious Bang Kwang Central Prison, located on the outskirts of Bangkok, Thailand. Known as the "Bangkok Hilton," this maximum-security prison houses some of the most dangerous and violent criminals in the country, including murderers, drug traffickers, and gang members.

The episode begins with an introduction to the prison and its harsh conditions, which include overcrowding, poor sanitation, and limited access to medical care. Viewers are then introduced to the unconventional sport of Muay Thai, which is increasingly popular within Thai prisons. Inmate fights are organized within the prison walls, and the matchups are often intense, with little to no protective gear worn by the fighters.

We are introduced to several fighters who have honed their skills through practicing Muay Thai while incarcerated. Some of them have even gone on to compete professionally after being released from prison. One of the fighters we meet is Niran, who was sentenced to 28 years in prison for murder. He has been practicing Muay Thai for the last six years and is known as one of the best fighters in the prison.

Viewers also learn about the benefits of Muay Thai within the prison system. For many inmates, it serves as a way to stay active, relieve stress, and build a sense of camaraderie with their fellow inmates. Some even credit the sport with turning their lives around and helping them to stay out of trouble upon their release.

The episode then takes a darker turn when we meet a group of foreign inmates who have been caught smuggling drugs into Thailand. They are housed in a separate part of the prison and face an uncertain fate. We are told that some foreign inmates have been sentenced to life in prison or even death by hanging for drug offenses in Thailand, which highlights the country's notoriously strict drug laws.

The foreign inmates, who are not allowed to participate in Muay Thai fights, express their frustration with being isolated from the rest of the prison population. They describe the conditions as "hellish" and express their fear of being stuck in the Thai prison system indefinitely.

Overall, Thai Prison Fights offers a fascinating and at times harrowing glimpse into the world of Bang Kwang Central Prison and the unconventional sport of Muay Thai within its walls. The episode raises important questions about the benefits and drawbacks of prison rehabilitation programs, as well as the harsh realities of incarceration in countries with strict drug laws. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in criminal justice reform or the intersection of sports and incarceration.