Inmates given welcome opportunities to prepare for life after their release

Some 70 percent of male prisoners in northern Thailand end up behind bars due to illegal activities related to drugs, and the proportion is higher among female inmates, the director of a correctional center in northern Thailand said.

"Recognizing that the needs of female prisoners are different from those of male inmates is a key factor in promoting wellness and women's quality of life during their incarceration," said Acharee Srisunakrua, director of Chiang Mai Women's Correctional Facility.

"We want to make the authorities more gender-sensitive to women prisoners' specific needs."

In 2006, a project was launched in Thailand with support from Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati to provide moral support, basic healthcare and other opportunities for the nation's female prisoners.

Known as Kamlangjai, which translates as "inspire" in Thai, the project is aimed at helping those in need of opportunity in Thai society.

Acharee said several programs have been launched at many women's correctional institutions across Thailand.

At Chiang Mai Women's Correctional Institution, a number of successful programs have been introduced. They include a Life-changing Library, which helps enhance prisoners' self-development, and a Happy Center, which improves inmates' mental health through group activities and events organized by social workers or psychologists.

"As mental development is considered another important function for rehabilitation and social reintegration, we conduct activities such as meditation practice at the institution," Acharee said.

The institution also provides vocational training for a variety of occupations, including hairdressing, traditional Thai massage, Thai silk weaving, handicrafts and food services.

The vocational training center at Chiang Mai Women's Correctional Institution was established to give inmates the chance to practice in the prison service and learn language skills to boost their confidence before they are released.

Acharee said all these efforts have significantly reduced the repeat crime rate in recent years.

At Doi Hang Correctional Institution in northern Thailand, which is under the supervision of Chiang Rai Central Prison, male inmates are also prepared for life back in the outside world.

The institution's Learning and Agritourism Center provides the prisoners with the local skills they need, especially for the organic agriculture, wellness, handicraft and hospitality industries.

Pairat Khaminthakool, commander of Chiang Rai Central Prison, said, "Sometimes, groups of individuals such as detainees and probationers are not given sufficient opportunities to reintegrate into mainstream society, so the center serves as a platform to help them."

Open to the public, the center is run by officers from Doi Hang Correctional Facility and inmates near the end of their sentences who have behaved well. It allows detainees to earn from their work to save money for their post-release funds.

In 2012, a fund was set up to provide released inmates with finances to restart their lives back in society, and to provide opportunities for former prisoners wishing to attend vocational institutions or universities.