Investigating Measures to Improve the Implementation of The New Sentence Plan in 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 itscorrectionalagencies. Thecurrentstudyaimedto findout factorsthatledtothedevelopment 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, correctionalofficers, and probation officers. The data was collectedthrough 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 ofthe new sentence plan in Thailandprison 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.