Investigating Measures to Improve the Implementation of The New Sentence Plan in Thailand

Chanon Pattaracharee

PhD Candidate, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University, 999, Phutthamonthon Sai 4 Road, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, 73170 Thailand.

Suppakorn Poonyarith

Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University, 999, Phutthamonthon Sai 4 Road, Salaya,Nakhonpathom, 73170 Thailand.

Sunee Kanyajit

Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University, 999, Phutthamonthon Sai 4 Road, Salaya,Nakhonpathom, 73170 Thailand.

Abstract:

The Thailand prison system has contemplated implementation of a new sentence plan to rehabilitate the prison inmates, mainly reoffenders and those showing good conduct, through its correctional agencies. The current study aimed to find out factors that led to the development of this sentence plan, and whether the guidelines of this sentence plan need any improvements. The research was carried out with a sample of 25 key informants comprising police officers, correctional officers, and probation officers. The data was collected through questionnaires, in-depth interviews and focus group discussion. This research applied the principles of Rehabilitation Theory and Protection of Society Theory, to investigate the guidelines underneath the Thai laws including Corrections Act 2017. The findings revealed that the implementation of the new sentence plan in Thailand prison system requires providing training and knowledge to officers involved in the sentence plan implementation, developing appropriate rehabilitation programs as per the categories of the prisoners and offenders, applying technology in the prison system, and requesting cooperation from agencies involved in the justice system.  This research also advanced a few recommendations to improve the guidelines of the sentence plan and enhance the knowledge and operational skills of officers.

Keyword:

Sentence Plan, Offender, Rehabilitation, Prison System, Thailand.