Recently, the "notable figure" in Thai prisons—She Lao Ban (She Zhi Jiang, also known as She Lun Kai) has become the focus of international public opinion.
This "Chinese-Cambodian dual-nationality entrepreneur," who is suspected of telecommunications fraud and cross-border casino operations, recently complained to Interpol, claiming that he suffered "inhumane treatment" in a Thai prison: being held in solitary confinement, shackled, and denied medical treatment. In response, the Thai Prison Department and the Bangkok Special Prison quickly responded, denying the abuse allegations, stating that everything is normal with She Lao Ban, and that he was "strictly managed" only because he repeatedly violated prison discipline.
This incident quickly sparked public debate—She Lao Ban was once a business tycoon, and now even his basic treatment in prison is questioned? Is the Thai prison as "inhumane" as he described, or is it a misunderstanding by the outside world?
From a gambling life to shackles—She Lao Ban's prison "philosophy"
Let's first look at She Lao Ban's "resume"—casino magnate, king of telecom fraud, international fugitive, dual-nationality "capitalist," and now a new identity as a VVIP prisoner in Bangkok Special Prison. His business empire was built on cross-border casino operations, telecom fraud, and illegal zones, covering almost all high-risk, high-reward sectors.
For such a big player, there is usually a unique mode of operation—complex capital layouts, multinational operations, world-class legal teams, and rich experience in "escaping."
However, reality tells us that even the most powerful business empires must follow strict prison rules once incarcerated. Even if you have billions of wealth, once the iron door closes, all resources and connections become ineffective.
The management philosophy of a "VVIP prisoner": Special care for those who do not follow the rules
In his complaint letter, She Lao Ban stated that he was subjected to solitary confinement, shackling, and denied treatment, but the Thai Prison Department responded that She Lao Ban was "strictly managed" because he repeatedly violated discipline within the prison.
Many people may not be familiar with the management model of "VVIP prisoners," thinking that all prisoners are more or less the same after entering prison. In fact, for heavyweight prisoners like She Lao Ban, prison management naturally differs. To prevent him from continuing operations within the prison, the prison often takes a series of special management measures:
Wide connections: Ordinary prisoners make a few friends in prison, but She Lao Ban, if not restricted, could turn the entire prison into his network.
Strong economic power: Ordinary criminals can only buy snacks at the commissary, but She Lao Ban, if willing, could completely take over the commissary, kitchen, or even some special cells to continue his business activities.
Huge influence: Every move of She Lao Ban could become international news, and with any carelessness, the Thai judicial department could become the focus of public opinion.
Therefore, to "specially care" for such special figures, the prison usually:
Regularly changes cells and cellmates to prevent the formation of gangs among prisoners;
Strictly controls the range of activities to avoid unnecessary social contacts;
Provides necessary medical management to ensure health but not overly favorable treatment.
It can be said that although She Lao Ban's treatment is superior to ordinary prisoners, he is still under special surveillance.
The philosophy of shackles—Can wealth and power play a role in prison?
She Lao Ban's experience raises a thought-provoking question: Can wealth, power, and connections really work in front of prison? Many business magnates or lawbreakers often harbor such illusions: "Even if I go to prison, I can still operate." However, the reality is, once you enter prison, no matter how rich you are, the rules of the prison are the only dominion.
Take Russia's Khodorkovsky and America's Bernie Madoff as examples, these once business giants still did not enjoy any privileges in prison and ultimately lived according to legal regulations.
Although She Lao Ban was once a bigwig in the telecom fraud industry, in prison, rules are supreme. Even if he has great wealth and connections, behind these iron doors, everything must comply with the discipline of the prison.
She Lao Ban's "new business opportunity"? Prison version of "Das Kapital"
Of course, many business magnates who enter prison often still find "new business opportunities." For example, American drug lord Escobar once opened a casino in prison, Cambodia's fraud tycoon continued to operate telecom fraud in prison, and some financial magnates wrote books in prison to teach wealth management experience.
So, will She Lao Ban carve out a "new territory" in prison? Perhaps he could launch the following "prison version business courses":
"Cross-border Telecom Fraud Chronicles: How to Go from Zero to Billions in Assets"
"Prison Survival Guide: From Shackles to Regaining Freedom"
"Thai Prison Entrepreneurship Class: Prisoners Can Also Do Business"
After all, many capitalists with prison experiences often become business mentors after release, sharing their "incarceration wisdom." She Lao Ban's journey in prison may just be another chapter in his life.
The Thai Prison Department clearly stated that everything is "normal" for She Lao Ban in prison, and he has not suffered any abuse. No matter how glorious he was outside, once he enters prison, he must abide by the prison rules.
For She Lao Ban, shackles are not the end, but the beginning of a new chapter in his life. What matters is not the complaint, but how to adapt to the rules of the Thai prison, because here, Thai law and judicial regulations are the undeniable authority.
