Phuket exhibition showcases skills of rehabilitated inmates
The 18th Southern 14 Provinces Corrections Products Exhibition started at Saphan Hin, Phuket, highlighting the skills and potential of rehabilitated inmates aiming to reintegrate into society. This annual event highlights the significance of second chances and the empowerment of individuals through skill development for a sustainable future.
Yesterday evening, December 10, Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat officially opened the exhibition, accompanied by Pairot Khamintakul, Chief Inspector of the Department of Corrections, and Prinya Srithanyakaew, Commander of Phuket Provincial Prison.
The ceremony was attended by representatives from various correctional institutions and government agencies, reflecting a broad support network for the initiative.
Governor Sophon emphasised the exhibition’s goal of highlighting vocational training as a core element of the rehabilitation process within the Department of Corrections.
“This event reflects our commitment to equipping inmates with skills to reintegrate into society as productive citizens.”
The collaboration between both governmental and private sectors is designed to pave the way for inmates to find gainful employment and achieve financial independence post-release.
Running daily from 9am to 10pm until December 16, the week-long event includes participation from 24 prisons and correctional institutions within the Department of Corrections’ designated Regions 8 and 9. Visitors can explore and purchase a wide array of high-quality inmate-produced goods, such as handicrafts, which were created during their time in incarceration, reported Phuket News.
Phuket Prison Commander Prinya highlighted the financial benefits of the event, noting that proceeds from the exhibition will be reinvested into future vocational training programmes.
“This initiative allows the public and tourists to support inmate rehabilitation while contributing to their journey toward becoming valuable members of society.”
In related news, 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.
