Phuket prisoners selected for ‘reintegration training’

PHUKET: More than 200 inmates at Phuket Prison today began their first day of rehabilitation training to prepare them for release into society.

The two-week course, launched to honor HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 84th birthday on December 5, aims to help the inmates become “good, moral people” and productive members of society, said Phuket Prison chief Rapin Nichanon at the opening ceremony today.

The course is being attended by 206 prisoners, all with less than three years to serve of their jail sentences.

“The prisoners will be trained in social skills, be encouraged to value good virtue, learn how to be moral people with positive attitudes and practice good behavior,” said Chief Rapin.

“They will also learn some basic job skills and how to live according to the principles of HM The King’s ‘sustainable development’ principles as well as how they are going to live after they have been released.” he added.

“I would like you to use the knowledge you gain from this course after you have been released from prison. Live according to sustainable development principles and be a good person, and always show gratitude for His Majesty offering you this good opportunity,” Chief Rapin said.

Chief Rapin explained that there are currently 1,579 inmates at Phuket Prison, far above its official capacity.

“Of the prisoners, 1,390 are male and 189 are female. About 80 per cent them are serving drug-related sentences,” he said.

About 38 foreigners are being held at the prison, most of them on charges related to drugs or scams, he explained.

“We plan to expand the Baan Bang Jo detention center [in Thalang], but we are not able to do it just yet,” Chief Rapin said.

— Warisa Temram