Speaking in Parliament in support of establishing a special committee to study offender reintegration and the prevention of repeat offences, the Kla Tham Party MP said Thailand currently has about 320,000 prisoners, with nearly 70% incarcerated for drug-related offences.
Citing statistics from 2019-2022, Ms Oratai said about 30% of released prisoners reoffended within three years.
She identified employment and social acceptance as the key factors in reducing recidivism, but said many former inmates struggle to secure stable work because of their criminal records.
“Even after leaving prison, this wall of opportunity remains a barrier,” she said, noting that many ex-convicts are only able to find temporary daily wage jobs.
Ms Oratai said she has volunteered at Bang Cho Temporary Prison in Phuket for more than two years and is regularly contacted by former inmates seeking help finding employment after their release.
She said she wanted to raise the issue in parliament to reflect the difficulties faced by former prisoners attempting to rebuild their lives.
Ms Oratai noted that the Department of Corrections and prisons across the country are working to provide inmates with vocational skills before their release.
She highlighted the ‘Good People’s Market’ project at Bang Jo Temporary Prison, located in Srisoonthorn. The project is a collaboration between Phuket Rajabhat University, Srisoonthorn Municipality and local communities, which offers vocational training and opportunities for inmates to earn income.
As an example of successful reintegration, Ms Oratai cited a former inmate who now works as a barista at a coffee shop in Phuket after being given an opportunity despite having a criminal record.
“People who have made mistakes, if given both opportunity and acceptance, can start a new life,” she said.
Ms Oratai also proposed two measures for further study, including the possible removal of criminal records for certain former offenders after an appropriate period of time in order to improve job prospects.
She also suggested establishing an intermediary system through the Department of Corrections to help connect former inmates with private sector employers and build confidence in hiring them.
“Human beings are a vital asset in building a nation,” Ms Oratai said.
“I hope this motion will be approved to find ways to create opportunities and sustainably reintegrate reformed individuals into society.”