Photo courtesy of Khaosod

 

Thailand has designated 23 prisons as tourist destinations, an initiative to rehabilitate inmates and boost the economy. Announced during the Department of Corrections' 110th anniversary, this program involves prison-run restaurants, cafes, and shops staffed by trained inmates. These efforts aim to provide inmates with real job skills, addressing labor shortages and enhancing Thailand’s economic landscape.

 

The prison population in Thailand was 300,246 as of August 1, 2025, with a notable rise due to economic hardships and drug-related issues. Previously, numbers had decreased significantly before COVID-19 but surged again in recent years. The Department of Corrections operates with about 10,000 officers, maintaining vocational training programs and working with private partners to offer inmates job experiences.

 

Expert views suggest these programs are transformative, providing inmates with transferable skills in fields like culinary arts and agriculture. The flagship restaurant brand, “Chuan Chom,” has grown to 122 branches nationwide, offering an opportunity for inmates to work post-release. The model includes vital training in various disciplines, facilitating inmates’ reentry into society.

 

Looking forward, the program aims to continually expand and collaborate with organizations to provide employment opportunities. Twenty-one pilot prisons have implemented a “Read for Release” program, promoting education among inmates, with remarkable success rates. Additionally, the “One District, One Industrial Prison” policy addresses labor shortages by training inmates for factory work, particularly in industrial provinces.

 

Key Takeaways

• Thailand’s program transforms prisons into tourist spots to help inmate rehabilitation.
• Trained inmates run restaurants and shops, gaining vital skills for post-release life.
• The initiative addresses labor shortages while boosting the local economy.

 

Related Story:

• TAT Pushes Free Flight Ticket Scheme for Domestic Tourism
• Thailand Overhauls Hotel Laws to Modernise Tourism

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod 2025-09-10

 

 

NO THANKS!

Just what a few tourist need, to see filth and misery. 

Another thai brain brilliant show.

Imagine what a prisoner could put in the pad kra pao you just ordered 

 

 

Two negatives so far, wonder what the final total will be? 

Just one more brain fart by the authorities. 

Are any of those women's prisons?  It would be easy to set up soap massage rooms and most of the women wouldn't require too much training. 

Human Zoo ?

 

Does this mean that we can go and gawp at Thaksin or will this initiative only be applied to real prisons? 🙂

 

 

Sorry,  I think exploiting prison and prisoners for tourism is desperate and kind of sick. 

 

33 minutes ago, bkk6060 said:

Sorry,  I think exploiting prison and prisoners for tourism is desperate and kind of sick. 

 

 

Indeed.

 

 

 

 

On 9/10/2025 at 6:00 PM, Bert got kinky said:

Does this mean that we can go and gawp at Thaksin

 

Yes, but he has a reputation for flinging excrement at his visitors, so wear appropriate protective gear. 

On 9/10/2025 at 5:37 PM, NE1 said:

Human Zoo ?

 

The heavy petting zoo.

I heard you can sit  on ' Old Smokey " for an extra fee !