Thai prisons will become tourist attractions.

Furthermore, Mr. Somsak asserted that this idea benefits prisoners because they can develop valuable skills after their release. He also acknowledged that not all prisons are suitable to become tourist attractions.

According to the plan, prisoners will perform various activities for tourists, such as a cooking competition called "Chef Behind Bars" or producing souvenirs, aiming to promote professions in different fields and prepare prisoners for returning to normal life in society, changing the image of correctional facilities.

The project will be expanded in 2021. Currently, five prisons in Thailand are participating in this pilot program. The Thai Ministry of Justice has confirmed that, if successful, 50% of the country's prisons (72 out of 143 facilities) will become tourist attractions. Justice Minister Somsak Thepsuthin emphasized that many prisons are located near major tourist spots, making them ideal destinations for visitors. Minister Thepsuthin stated that if these prisons become public attractions, the government could use them to promote Thai tourism.

Huong Thao