Thailand’s Corrections Department is proposing to turn half of the country’s working prisons into visitor experiences. It might sound bizarre, but the plans have been fully supported by Justice Minister Somsak Thepsuthin, who announced the idea on Monday.
Attractions on offer
Attraction proposals include an inmate cooking contest, which Thai authorities have named ‘Chefs Behind Bars’. There will also be plenty of opportunities for visitors to purchase prison souvenirs and various items which have been crafted by the inmates.
The tourism plans have already been rolled out in five prisons as part of a pilot project, which include Trat, Rayong, Ratchaburi, Nakhon and Ratchasima. By 2021, 72 of Thailand’s 144 prisons will be open to visitors. The Justice Ministry and Tourism Ministry propose to work alongside each other to promote the prisons which prove to be the most popular.
The idea
Fascination for the Thai Justice System has grown over the last five years due to Netflix’s Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons and feature documentary Prison Fighters: Five Rounds to Freedom. It is believed that Western interests in the infamous system (and with 33 million annual visitors) a gap in the market was recognised to use the prisons as tourist attractions. Many existing tour routes already pass Thailand’s most notorious prisons, including Bangkok Hilton.
Not all about revenue
Though the Thai Government have recognised opening the prison’s will be great for the tourism economy, it isn’t all about money. The Justice Minister has said inmates being part of various attractions, such as ‘Chefs Behind Bars’, will prepare them for normal life within society. Prisoners are also said to gain an income by taking part in the visitor activities.
Brilliant, bonkers or a bit of both? We can’t decide!
Want more? Find out how one of Britain’s most haunted prisons, The Bodmin Jail, is reopening after an £8.5 million development here.
