A New but Familiar Face in Thai Corrections

New Familiar Face

            2002 – 2003 was a period of change for Thai Corrections. After having been under the Ministry of Interior for 70 years, the Department of Corrections has been transferred to be under the roof of the Ministry of Justice. We have to adapt ourselves to new environments, to get acquainted to new families, and to introduce ourselves to new neighbors. At the end of the fiscal year 2002, we had the opportunity to welcome a new Director General successor of the former Director General who retired. The name of Nathee Chitsawang, who was promoted from Deputy Director General, brought delight to all corrections staff. At least, this was one big change amongst many that we did not need to introduce ourselves to - a new familiar face.

A True Fan

            Nathee Chitsawang, 52 years, is a true fan of Corrections. He received his Bachelor degree in Law from Chulalongkorn University, and two Masters degrees, the first one on Criminology from Florida State University, and the second one on Public Administration from Chulalongkorn University. Nathee started to work at the Department of Corrections as a Penologist. For a 3-year period, he was transferred to the Faculty of Social Administration in Thammasat University, as a lecturer. Upon his return, he performed various functions in the Department such as Director of Corrections Training Institute, Director of Personnel Division, Senior Expert in Penology, and Deputy Director General. With his outstanding expertise, he has always been invited as guest lecturer on criminology, corrections administration, and criminal justice system by many agencies as well as universities.

Be Published and Publications

            The name of Nathee Chitsawang is well recognized among academic and mass media agencies. Apart from articles that have been regularly published in various journals, his many research projects have also been mentioned in newspapers, capturing a lot of public interest, since most of his works are about truth in prisons - the stories that people have never heard of. Even when some stories on Correctional activities were presented on television, one would simply hear name and voice of the real Nathee Chitsawang.

            Samples of Nathee’s renowned publications are books on Principle of Penology and Treatment Programmes for Special Type of Prisoners.  These two books are collections of theories on criminology and the combination of concepts and experiences of the treatment of offenders, particularly in Thailand. The books are frequently used as reference in academic institutes, and more importantly, they serve almost as manuals for correctional staff.

Whose Idea Is This? It’s so Cool!

            We had never heard or thought of the word ‘Innovation’ before Nathee introduced it to us. Innovation in Corrections has come into our concept and understanding that anybody can innovate, and that innovation can bring about changes and development in prison management.

When there are some special projects that attract the public, we always hear a similar expression, “Whose idea is this? It’s so cool!” Well, the answer is often the same one.

            Currently, every prison is enthusiastic about what other people are doing and whether or not it should do the same thing, or should it create something new. There have been competitions on innovation to develop our correctional system and the results have been very productive. However, there has never been a competition on the most innovative individual. If there is, it may not be challenging because the audience may already be able to tell the result!

Eat Right, Sleep Tight

            Kin-Iim-Non-Oun or Eat Right, Sleep Tight, is a simple slogan that Nathee gave when he first assumed the position of Director General. The prison is not a home or a hotel, its residents should not have all comforts they wish for. However, the prison should, at least, be a place where offenders are treated with humanity, are given wholesome food, receive essential welfare, and get a basic living condition. Nathee said that by the end of the fiscal year 2003, at least 20 prisons in Thailand would be standard prisons, comprising appropriate sleeping areas, kitchens, canteens, food, library, and refuse and water treatment systems.

Football Lover

            Nathee likes all kinds of sports, particularly football. He is a person that one likes to talk with because of his sense of humor. He is still single.