Thai Corrections Department Plans 4 Factories to Train Prison Inmates

Thailand’s Corrections Department plans for factory estates at prisons will provide much greater opportunities for job training. Four factories will be built on land at the Ban Bueng temporary prison in Ban Bueng district, Chon Buri province.

Justice Minister Somsak Thepsutin said on Monday the Corrections Department plans to establish industrial estates where inmates who are soon to be released can learn on-the-job work skills.

Mr Somsak was speaking after laying the estate’s foundation stone at the prison on Monday, the Bangkok Post reported.

Ban Bueng temporary prison is part of the new Chon Buri Central Prison complex at tambon Khlong Kiu in Ban Bueng district.

Mr Somsak said Ban Bueng prison was chosen for the first industrial estate development under the plan. It had investment support from three companies – Kansiri Phanit, Mai Chakrayan and SPT Charoen Supply.

The estate would comprise four factories, and produce bicycles and wooden pallets.

Prison inmates who were nearing completion of their sentences would get occupational training in the factories, so they could return to society and find jobs when released.

Being able to get a job would help prevent them from returning to crime, Mr Somsak said.

Mr Somsak said the new Chon Buri Central Prison has 291 rai and 274 square wah of land in total. It was planned that another 85 rai of it would be utilized for agriculture and livestock farming, to make the most use of the land for occupational training for inmates.

Prisons Being Developed into Tourist Attractions

Thailand’s Justice Minister reports the Corrections Department is working on plans to turn 72 prisons across the country into tourist attractions. The tourist attractions could also include events such as cooking contests. Also shops where visitors could buy items crafted by inmates.

The justice minister said the plan was already being implemented at five prisons, which are pilot projects. He named only four of them to the Bangkok Post; Trat, Rayong, Ratchaburi and Nakhon Ratchasima prisons

The work is also expected to be expanded to 67 other prisons. In total, 72 prisons, or 50% of the 143 prisons throughout the country, would have tourist attractions.

Mr Somsak admitted it was not possible for all prisons to be included in the plan. There were limitations.

Thailand tourism promotion

If some prisons become popular, the Justice Ministry may in future also work with the Tourism and Sport Ministry. Saying they can use them for Thailand tourism promotion.

The justice minister also said various activities have already been tested, such as “chefs behind bars.” Above all to promote occupations in various fields and prepare inmates for return to a normal life.  Even more to change the image of prisons from being a twilight world to a world of opportunities.

Mr Somsak said the Corrections Department was ready in terms of personnel and locations to implement the policy. Many prisons were already sited on existing tour routes, the minister pointed out.

With Thailand’s prisons being developed as tourist stops, inmates would be able to make use of their abilities and skills. Even more they could earn an income, he added.