Author Sarah Jane Butfield: #Reflections of Jail Time In #Thailand "Behind The #Scenes" With Fred's Diary 1981~#JailInThailand~#RPBP #TravelsInAsia #Memoir #Diary @fredsdiary1981

"BEHIND THE SCENES"

Thank you for joining us as we go behind the scenes

Fred's Diary 1981,

with the Fourth edition

"Behind The Scenes".

Robert Fear takes us on his journey, as he travels in Asia taking daily notes in a diary.

This authentic look into his dairy has been extended by going behind the scenes with Robert as he reveals himself to us each week with an original inside look.

Reflecting back on Jail Time in Thailand

6 day eye-opener

This is the last thing I expected to happen when I set out on this trip. But, oh shit, it’s definitely happening!

The three of us are off to court this morning and if things go as expected we will be in prison tonight rather than the police cells where we’ve spent the last few nights.

Andy, Stan and I have certainly got to know each other very well. Considering that we hardly knew each other a week ago, we have become quite close, through necessity if nothing else.

As you may have gathered our initial optimism for a quick release didn’t come to fruition. In the meantime we’ve learnt a lot about the corruption and bribery that goes on in this beautiful country.

We wouldn’t have got through this so far without outside help. It just shows how fellow travellers will group together and help in whatever way they can, even if it means sacrificing part of their trips.

Basically you are given nothing in here. No food, no water, no bedding. Nothing! Anything you want comes at a price and without friends outside things can get very difficult. There are other detainees here who have no money and are really struggling.

We keep beating ourselves up about the way we were caught out in the raid on our guest house. It was stupid and naïve of us to be so casual about the drugs but it all seemed so natural at the time. Even so, for the small amount we all had, the punishment certainly does not match the crime!

The strange thing is that I only got into smoking hashish and grass during my last stay in Frankfurt. Prior to that I had smoked cigarettes or roll-ups and enjoyed my beer but this was a whole new experience to me. It helped broaden my outlook though and probably influenced my choice of coming to Asia.

Valium has been the drug of choice in here. It is sold freely in the chemists and Graham has ensured that we have had a good supply. I wouldn’t have remained so calm and rested without it. Even so my stomach is constantly churning through the worry of the whole situation.

I’ve just been reading back through my diary, which is proving to be a real comfort during these difficult times. It really helps to be able to write things down and release some of the frustration.

Here’s a short extract which sums up how we are all feeling:

“This starts to feel more and more bizarre. I mean we aren’t exactly hardened criminals but they were even talking about deporting us.”

Due to overcrowding in Thai prisons, none of the cells have beds, nor are prisoners are given any mattresses.

Just a thin sheet. If they have any money they can buy extra bedding.

Worrying times in Thailand

Each of us had mixed feelings about what the day holds. We were let out of our cell at 8:15 a.m. and had some visitors. Ead came for the first time and didn't look too happy for us. Graham, Aja and Marie, John and Michael were all there as well.

Exchanged some small talk but as nothing was certain everyone was nervous. About 9 a.m. we got all our things together for imminent removal but did not leave until nearly 10 a.m.

They handcuffed us together with three Thai guys and we were escorted outside, where we managed to get some quick hugs from Marie and Aja along with good luck handshakes from the guys.

The sunlight was dazzling after six days in the cells. They put us into a wired-up open truck which transported us to another cell near the court, where they herded us together and checked that we were all there.

Half an hour later we were taken to the courthouse and all sat down on benches. Within two minutes the judge came in and called out our names. We had to stand up and acknowledge that we were there.

After signing a form we were all herded back into the truck and driven to the prison where we arrived at 11:30 a.m. Stan had been taken off somewhere else so Andy and I went to the prison alone. A Canadian guy, Jim helped us.

We had all our possessions searched and our money taken from us, although they let me keep the lucky Irish £1 note Bobby had given me. The British consulate was at the prison so I was able to see him for a short while. I gave him all the details with specific instructions that he shouldn't inform my parents.

Did you miss the past three segments of

Behind The Scenes?

Week 1, Week 2, week 3

Fascinating time capsule from the 80’s

NEWLY RELEASED SECOND EDITION

SYNOPSIS

Have you ever wanted to read someone else’s diary?

Would you like to experience travelling in Asia without leaving home?

Then this book is for you. Fred’s Diary 1981 is a fascinating insight into a young man’s travels around Asia in the early 1980’s. This is a unique opportunity to delve into Fred's daily diary, which details the 158 days he spent travelling around Asia. Follow Fred throughout his extensive travels to Hong Kong, Thailand, India and Nepal.

Appreciate the many friendships formed along the way with fellow-travellers.

Relive the highs and lows that he experienced during this fascinating journey.

Recognise the huge differences in technology, particularly communications.

Become immersed in the different cultures, peoples and surroundings of Asia in the early 1980's.

Understand more about the drug culture of the 1980's, especially in Thailand and Nepal.

Learn from Fred's youthful mistakes, especially if your dream of travelling to Asia becomes a reality.

The price of Fred's Diary 1981: Travels in Asia has been dropped to £1.99 / $2.99

(was £2.99 / $3.99).

Get your copy while this offer lasts:

GETBOOK.AT/FREDSDIARY1981