Phuket’s prison break: Drug rehab programme promises new life

Phuket is shaking up the prison scene with a groundbreaking initiative aimed at turning drug dealers into model citizens. The revamped Prison Scout Volunteers for Social Development programme officially launched its fourth edition, with bold ambitions to reform inmates, shape positive mindsets, and offer a way out of their criminal past.

With the Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat notably absent, Vice Governor Sattha Thongkham stepped in to lead the relaunch ceremony at Phuket Provincial Prison yesterday, September 19. Phuket Prison Director, Akom Phusri, alongside representatives from the Provincial Probation Office and the Phuket Promthep Scout Club, were on hand to support the event.

The programme, which recruits 100 participants each time, is far from a simple reform. It’s part of a larger plan spearheaded by the Department of Corrections, focusing on eight key areas of improvement. These include upgrading prison security, modernising inmate treatment systems to meet international standards, and providing education and vocational training that matches real-world job markets.

Training takes place from September 19 to 22, overseen by the Education and Mental Development Division. Inmates are taught to adhere to the Scout Oath, which instils values such as self-discipline, unity, and respect for the nation, religion, and monarchy.

“This is about preparing inmates for life outside prison.”

Crucially, the programme opens the doors for external agencies to get involved, ensuring a robust support system for inmates post-release. With a focus on rehabilitation and reintegration, it’s a powerful move to transform lives and give former criminals a fresh start, reported Phuket News.

In related news, a tragic incident in Nakhon Pathom resulted in the death of a mother at the hands of her son, who had just returned from a drug rehabilitation programme three days earlier.

The 32 year old son was apprehended by police while riding a motorcycle to buy methamphetamine. Police Lieutenant Sata Porn Duangsi of the Nakhon Pathom City Police Station received a report about a son killing his mother at their home in Nong Ngu Lueam, Nakhon Pathom.