A  very good evening to you from Bangkok, Thailand.
GS and I have had a very difficult day with much time waiting in 
several prisons .... with very troubling and uncooperative guards.

At first they refused our request for visit .. then after a FAX from
the Nepal embassy allowed a very fine visit.  We met and discussed
many topics with the prisoners .... a little bit of crying ...since it
may be my last time here for a loooong time.

BUT .. it was also very good day ... meeting all the prisoners
that we planned ... and then having a long talk with Secretary Yadev.
He is a good man ... and now fully aware that many ... or
... even most of the Nepali  prisoners are innocent of any crime.
This is a VERY BIG and important awareness ... 

He has begun a good record keeping of letters and answers all of them.
During the previous ambassador .. all letters went to the rubbish.

With Secretary Yadev's support .... you and others will have a clear
 path to a successful NGO ... and a board of directors that will 
command respect from both  the Nepal and Thai government.

We discussed some possible businesses that can support the families.
Schools for the children ... anti drug programs ..  and more.
I am VERY PLEASED both his words and with his PERFORMANCE !.

Tomorrrow GS and I visit Bangkwang Prison ... for two days .
Friday is the "contact Visit day".
Maybe we will actually be able to touch the prisoners.
So far .. only talk through bars ... It is like  animals in a zoo !

Maybe also will have tme to take a nice quiet boat trip. !!
I need a vacation !!!

We will call you ... saturday after our arrival in KTM.

NOW I must prepare a FAX for the embassy.
There is some problem with taking Nepali food into the prison.
We had trouble last time ... but today they were very tiresome.
... bottom line ... without  FAX .. no Nepali food in the door . !!!

Sincerely, Ben Parks


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