PAROLE APPROACH FOR ASSISTANCE THE ELDERLY INMATES: A CASE STUDY OF THONBURI REMAND PRISON

Abstract

The objectives were to describe the implementation of parole laws and regulations; to identify the factors affecting the success of parole at Thonburi Remand Prison; to identify the problems and obstacles of parole assistance for the elderly inmates; and to create a parole-assistance approach for the elderly inmates. This research employed a qualitative methodology. Data were collected by indepth interviews, a focus group, and participant observation. A total of 29 key participants included prison wardens, director of the prison office, and elderly inmates. The data collection was analyzed by a thematic analysis. Findings revealed that the parole laws, rules, and regulations regarding the suspension of sanctions for the elderly inmates were implemented equally and fairly to everyone without discrimination; the factors affecting the success of parole were personnel participation, information awareness, and duty performance with honesty, transparency, and fairness; the problems and obstacles of parole assistance were behaviors of elderly inmates, case types, punishments, imprisonment periods, and classifications; and a parole-assistance approach for the elderly inmates of Thonburi Remand Prison consisted of the implementation of innovative electronic tracking devices for probation, and the rights system and the provision of an opportunity to appeal against the suspension results.