Get acquainted with 3 model temporary prisons — from vocational training grounds and quality-of-life development facilities for inmates, to learning centres that welcome tourists, weaving agriculture and skills training into genuine travel experiences, and moving forward toward Thailand's tourism attraction standards.
The Department of Tourism invites everyone to open their minds to 3 model prisons that have been elevated to "Thai Tourism Attraction Standards." The Department of Corrections has developed and upgraded these agritourism prisons in line with the standards of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, with the aim of developing them into agritourism destinations under the Department of Corrections.
Here are the 3 interesting temporary prisons that have been developed as model agritourism attractions: Bang Rin Temporary Prison in Ranong Province, Khao Kling Temporary Prison in Phetchaburi Province, and Khao Phlong Temporary Prison in Chai Nat Province. Each has its own distinct identity and activities, ranging from agricultural and animal learning centres to Sufficiency Economy learning bases and vocational skills that visitors can genuinely apply in real life.
Bang Rin Temporary Prison, Ranong Province — Open Up to an Agricultural Experience Amid Nature
Bang Rin Temporary Prison in Ranong Province has developed and improved its grounds into an agritourism attraction, a study-tour site, and a recreational space, opening the area for visitors to soak up the agricultural atmosphere and learn about inmates' vocational training — including vegetable growing, fattened-cattle raising, and a Mini Zoo — as well as viewing handcraft products such as "reed brooms" that have been developed into an income-generating occupation.
This is a travel destination that offers not only enjoyment, but also a chance to learn about agriculture and to appreciate the value of skills training as a means of creating opportunities for a fresh start in life.
Khao Kling Temporary Prison, Phetchaburi Province — From Earthen Houses to a Sufficiency Economy Classroom
Khao Kling Temporary Prison in Phetchaburi Province is a Sufficiency Economy learning centre and an alternative tourism destination with a pleasantly shaded atmosphere. Its highlight is the "First Earthen House Kingdom in Thailand" — a collection of beautifully constructed earthen houses built by the hands of inmates, reflecting the wisdom and vocational skills they have practised.
In addition, there is a farm with sheep, goats, deer, and horses for tourists to observe and hand-feed up close. There is also a café and restaurant section run by inmates, along with agricultural products and a Corrections Department products shop for visitors to browse and shop before heading home.
Khao Phlong Temporary Prison, Chai Nat Province — Learn About Agriculture and Vocational Skills at a Model Site
Rounding out the trio is Khao Phlong Temporary Prison in Chai Nat Province — another model prison elevated to Thai Tourism Attraction Standards — developed as a Sufficiency Economy learning centre and a Khok Nong Na Model site, open for tourists to visit for study tours, enjoy nature, and support inmate-made products.
There are numerous agritourism activities for visitors to experience here, including tours of agricultural learning bases such as mushroom cultivation, animal husbandry, and the Khok Nong Na project, as well as the opportunity to purchase goods and processed products from farmers and inmates, all within a lush, nature-close learning centre atmosphere.
If you are looking for a new travel destination from a fresh perspective, try opening yourself up to the experience at these 3 temporary prisons — model agritourism attractions where you can travel, learn, and come home with a new outlook.
You can send tourism and food news to the email [email protected], or watch various clips on YouTube: Travel MGR, and follow on Instagram: @travelfoodonline and TikTok: @travelfoodonline.
