Rebuilding the lives of offenders towards enlightened rehabilitation: A Buddhist Innovation for enhancing and improving the occupational skills of repeat offenders with the aim of restoring their inner strength in the lower Isan region 2 DOI:

Abstract

Lower Northeastern Thailand (Cluster 2) is designated a critical area because, during 2017–2021 (B.E. 2560–2564), there were 64,676 cases in which the state was the injured party, indicating an urgent need for rehabilitation, psychosocial healing, and recidivism reduction (National Statistical Office of Thailand, 2021). This study aimed to: (1) assess the situation of criminal offenses associated with missteps, being lost/disoriented, accidental falls, and separation/bereavement, as well as repeat offending among vulnerable groups under provincial Probation Office supervision in Lower Northeastern Thailand (Cluster 2); (2) design a Buddhist-based innovation to develop and enhance samma-ajiva (Right Livelihood) skills among repeat offenders in order to restore spiritual resilience; and (3) transfer the innovation to build networks and scale up implementation. A mixed-methods research-and-development design was employed. Quantitative data were collected via questionnaires from a quota-sampled group of 1,536 participants, and qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews with 40 key informants. The innovation was evaluated by 13 experts. Quantitative analyses included descriptive statistics, the modified Priority Needs Index (PNI_modified), Pearson’s correlation, and multiple regression. Qualitative trustworthiness was established through triangulation. Findings indicate that enhancing Right Livelihood to prevent recidivism should be implemented through a holistic approach integrating Buddhist principles with social sciences, education, and psychology. The resulting innovation “the Buddhist Innovative Model for Reintegrating Good Citizens into Society” comprises three dimensions: (1) a Buddhist-dharma dimension emphasizing mental cultivation and moral discipline as the foundation for Right Livelihood; (2) a social learning dimension emphasizing positive role models, mentoring systems, and learning communities; and (3) a spiritual resilience dimension emphasizing empowerment, meaning in life, and self-worth. Key outputs include an innovative rehabilitation approach for repeat offenders, an information system to prevent reoffending, and publicly disseminated knowledge.