Gun-making inmates to serve Thailand
Department hopes the move will stem the number of repeat offenders due to companies refusing to give work to ex-convicts
By King-oua Laohong
Sixteen inmates found guilty of illegally making guns have been chosen to join a project aimed at sharpening their weapon-making skills to support the defence industry and smooth their return to society.
The project will “light their way” to a more positive future, Corrections Department chief Naras Savestanan said as he presided over an orientation ceremony before their two-week training, conducted by experts from the Army Ordnance Department at Bang Kwang Central Prison.
This marks a new approach to correcting inmates’ former misdeeds and brings out their talents in a proactive way that can be used to support society while also restoring their self-confidence, he said.
His department is struggling to deal with a high number of repeat offenders in the system as many companies refuse to give work to ex-convicts due to the heavy stigma attached to them.
This project aims to help overcome that as the Army Ordnance Department sets out to show by example how their specialised skills can be put to good use, Pol Col Naras said.