Prisoners are evacuated from Klong Prem Central Prison during heavy flooding in Bangkok, Thailand, on October 26, 2011.
In Thailand — and much of Southeast Asia — inmates with cash typically enjoy much better lives in prison.
According to Thailand's prison authorities, that cash can also buy influence and secure illicit connections with the outside world. That's why, the Bangkok Post reports, some prisoners sentenced for drug crimes may be kept in special wards with non-stop video surveillance and limited privileges.
The 24/7 video feeds would, ideally, prevent drug bosses from bribing guards.
But fat bank accounts wielded by drug bosses can also pay for good lawyers. Some inamtes have already filed complaints that such conditions will violate their human rights, the Post reports.