Pubdate: Fri, 28 May 2004 Source: Pattaya Mail (Thailand) Copyright: 2004Pattaya Mail. Contact: http://www.pattayamail.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2970 Author: Pacharapol Panrak DRUG PRISONERS TRAINED FOR FUTURE CAREER Rear Admiral says, "they are not that bad" Prisoners jailed for drug offences are learning to be farmers with the help of the navy's Civilians Development School. The project gives the prisoners something other than drugs to look forward to on their release, and the navy's part-time teachers are earning some extra income. Prisoners from many prisons have taken part in the vocational training program that focuses on agricultural careers. The navy has a policy of supporting part-time careers for officials and their families to increase their income. This will reduce debt problems. Rear Admiral Thana Boonnak, commander-in-chief of the Air Force and Coast Defense Unit, said that these prisoners were not bad in themselves. "They just once made a mistake and were misguided. But when they gather in this school, they seriously follow the rules and regulations. Here they can express their talents and specialize in various careers. "This program, therefore, will help them find an appropriate career when they are released. This vocational training program places emphasis on an occupation in the field of agriculture, aiming at implanting in them the idea of a sustainable economy. "They will learn to live properly and not turn to drugs again," he said. - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D