Somsak orders extortion probe against prison guard

Justice Minister Somsak Thepsuthin has ordered the Corrections Department to investigate a warden at the Thonburi Women’s Correctional Institute accused of corruption.

The guard allegedly demanded money from the family of a prisoner in exchange for preferential treatment.

Mr Somsak said the warden, who was not named, would be suspended during the investigation process and sacked if found guilty.

Mr Somsak’s order came after Ronnarong Kaewphet, a lawyer, accompanied Pornpimol Suansamran, 31, on Thursday in filing a complaint against the warden with Wanlop Nakbua, deputy permanent secretary at the Justice Ministry.

Ms Pornpimol claimed the warden extorted money from her family by saying her jailed mother would be taken care of. She said she has been prevented from contacting her mother and was concerned about her safety.

Mr Ronnaraong said Ms Pornpimol presented…