The prison houses many foreign prisoners. It is a harsh prison which handles death row and long sentence prisoners. All prisoners are required to wear leg irons for the first three months of their sentences. Death row inmates have their leg irons permanently welded on. In the book The Damage Done, former prisoner and drug courier Warren Fellows recounts that the prison was nicknamed "Big Tiger" by the Thais because it "prowled and ate". Fellows's associate Paul Hayward also served part of his sentence here.

Prisoners receive one bowl of rice in vegetable soup each day. Other food must be purchased from the prison canteen. The prison works on a chit system. Each prisoner has an account with the canteen. Poor prisoners do chores for wealthier prisoners and prison guards to earn money for food. Some British and Lebanese prisoners receive extra money per month from charities. The British Embassy also provides food and vitamins for their prisoners. Prisoners are provided with cooking facilities and gas for the stoves is provided by the prison.

Thai prisoners used to be served red rice, "Khao Daeng" foreign prisoners white rice. This has been abolished as it was seen as discrimination. All prisoners are now served white rice. ("Bangkok Post" 16 April 2007)

In 2004 there were nine British prisoners in Bangkwang, including Michael Connell, serving a 99 year sentence (commuted from the death sentence and later reduced to 30 years) for smuggling 3,400 ecstasy tablets and Andrew Hawke, serving a 50 year sentence for smuggling heroin.

The prison is featured in the popular simulation game Mafia Wars: Bangkok, as one of the jobs under the Criminal tier (Pay Off The Guards At Bangkwang Prison) where one has to choose between the Triad and the Yakuza factions.

In the episode "Great Space Roaster" from American Dad!, Roger is placed by Stan in Bang Kwang. His prison cell is placed deep underwater and surrounded by mines. However, Roger eventually escapes on a raft made out of the guards.