Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2002. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Bangkok Post - Sunday 14 April 2002
Onnucha Hutasingha
"Water is too precious to be wasted," said Jon Lerwitworangpong, director of Corrections Central hospital in Klong Prem Prison, while presiding over a traditional Songkran ceremony for HIV-infected inmates.
A special zone, Zone 13, houses 157 inmates with the disease. It has been cleared to make way for a herb garden, leaving enough space to hold a ceremony.
Many inmates are ill and cannot live without a saline drip. They wheel themselves to the ceremony at the urging of Pinyo Meesuk, Zone 13 commander.
Three monks from Wat Samiennaree have been invited so inmates can pour water on their palms in return for blessings.
No one is throwing water at the ceremony, but it's not a dry Songkran, say the inmates. "I've asked for good things for myself and strong health for the inmates," said one. He admitted the atmosphere was peculiar.
"It's quite odd because it's so simple. But I feel cool even though I haven't been splashed with water," he said.
Another inmate said he had wished for good health.
He had helped out at the hospital for six years and watched as many people died painfully.
"There's nothing more important than good health," he said.
He recalls wild Songkran celebrations outside the prison, but admits that a simple ceremony can bring a sense of peace.
The ceremony finishes in less than one hour after the monks tell inmates not to give up.
"The fun of it is not with water splashing. It's in our minds," said an inmate.
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