Hell of Bangkok

Five Years Wrongfully Imprisoned in a Thai Prison

In this gripping memoir, former coffeeshop owner Johan van Laarhoven tells, for the first time, the shocking story of his wrongful imprisonment in one of Asia’s most notorious prisons.

In July 2014, Van Laarhoven made international headlines when Thai police raided his villa in Pattaya, where he was living with his wife and children after retiring and selling his four coffeeshops in Tilburg and Den Bosch. He was sentenced to 103 years in prison, while his wife received an 18-year sentence. Both were convicted of money laundering for spending in Thailand money that Van Laarhoven had legally earned in the Netherlands through the tolerated sale of cannabis. He was incarcerated in Klong Prem Prison, one of the most infamous prisons in Asia.

As the case gained international attention, questions arose about the involvement of the Dutch authorities. The Dutch National Ombudsman published a highly critical report on the actions of the police, Public Prosecution Service, and the Ministry of Justice and Security. Under pressure from the Dutch Parliament, the Minister of Justice travelled to Thailand to discuss the case with the Thai Prime Minister. Shortly afterwards, Van Laarhoven’s wrongful imprisonment finally came to an end.

In Hell of Bangkok, he recounts the inhumane conditions he endured behind bars and his years-long battle with the justice system—a struggle that ultimately cost him his family.

Book Details

• Title: Hell of Bangkok
• Authors: Johan van Laarhoven, Robbert Blokland & Tijn Elferink
• Edition: Paperback

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