The Development of Prison Areas as Tourist Attractions: A Case Study of Khao Kling Temporary Prison

Abstract

          This research article aimed to: (1) study the approach to developing prison areas into tourist attractions in accordance with the public policy process; (2) examine the factors affecting success, as well as the problems and obstacles, in the development of prison areas into tourist attractions; and (3) propose guidelines for improving the policy on the development of prison areas into tourist attractions to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness. This study was qualitative in nature. The key informants consisted of 13 participants. The research instrument was a semi-structured interview form. Data were collected through document study and in-depth interviews and were analyzed using content analysis.

           The findings revealed that: (1) the development of prison areas into the tourist attractions began with the application of the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy together with the concept of pre-release preparation. Policy implementation was characterized by a top-down approach alongside the integration of cooperation from network partners. (2) The key success factors included policy clarity and standard setting from the central authority, leadership of prison administrators, suitability of the area, the establishment of collaborative networks, the design of vocational training and learning programs, the creation of social acceptance, and the products derived from inmates’ vocational training. The problems and obstacles included limitations in staff capacity, security risks in the management of open areas, policy discontinuity resulting from changes in administrators, developmental disparities between prisons, and vocational curricula misaligned with current labor market demands. (3) The guidelines for policy improvement should include the formulation of a master plan for prison tourism development, the improvement of vocational training programs to make them modern and inclusive of digital skills and business management, the promotion of collaborative networks, and human resource management with an emphasis on creating motivation for work performance.