Thailand’s notorious prisons could soon become a place of fine dining and artisanal shopping – as tourist attractions.
Thailand’s justice minister has hatched a plan to partially open prisons for tourist visits and have inmates contribute to tourism revenues and earn some income.
A pilot scheme is taking place at five prisons including Trat, Rayong, Ratchaburi and Nakhon Ratchasima prisons.
It may include cookery contests for ‘chefs behind bars’ and handicraft shops selling goods created by prisoners.
The minister says it will help prisoners prepare for a law-abiding life on the outside after completing their sentence.
If the scheme is a success it may be promoted by the Tourism Ministry and expanded to about half of all Thai prisons.
Written by Ray Montgomery, Asia Pacific editor
