On 8 September 2023, the Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, hosted a field trip entitled ‘Sustainable Development, the Rule of Law and Opportunities for All’ with Mr. Natapanu Nopakun and Mr. Thanawat Sirikul, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Information, leading a delegation comprising members of the diplomatic corps and foreign media in Thailand to visit the Chiang Mai Women’s Correctional Institution Vocational Training Centre and Chiang Mai Women’s Correctional Institution in Chiang Mai Province.

On this occasion, Mr. Chatchawal Panya, Deputy Governor of Chiang Mai Province, kindly welcomed the delegation on their first activity of the field trip in Chiang Mai province, and Ms. Acharee Srisunakrua, Director of Chiang Mai Women’s Correctional Institution, shared the rich history and inspiration behind the Chiang Mai Women’s Correctional Institution Vocational Training Centre. Namely, the pivotal work of the Centre in training female inmates in professional skills and preparing them for post-release life. It is also part of the ‘Kamlangjai’ or ‘Inspire’ Project initiated by Her Royal Highness Princess Bajarakitiyabha which is focused on promoting the wellbeing of inmates their prospects for future employment and reintegration into society. This work is the culmination and strong implementation of the United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders, or the Bangkok Rules.

After the briefing, the delegation visited three parts of the Vocational Training Centre which is open to the public, including (1) ‘Ruean Pathamarong’ Museum, which outlines the unique history and evolution of the Chiang Mai Women’s Correctional Institution; (2) ‘Naree’ Thai Massage and Spa run by the inmates; and (3) CARE – the Centre for Assistance to Reintegration and Employment. The beautiful products skillfully handcrafted by the female inmates were also on display.

In the later portion of the field trip, the delegation visited the Chiang Mai Women’s Correctional Institution: one of the Model Prisons in Thailand that has fully implemented the provisions under the Bangkok Rules. There, the delegation witnessed the integrated efforts of the staff in prioritizing the welfare of vulnerable groups such as female inmates – an integral part of a truly people-centered sustainable development.