Bang Kwang Prison, where inner transformation is possible

“No one is born to be a murderer, no one is born to be a killer, all this murder and killing, all these mistakes come from greed and desire”, said Phra Ajarn Anilman, the leader of a transformative therapy program at Bang Kwang Central Prison.

Phra Ajarn Anilman

A different kind of rehabilitation

Behind the walls of Thailand’s most notorious maximum-security facility, an extraordinary therapy is transforming lives, especially those of death row prisoners.

Designed and facilitated by Phra Ajarn, this program has become something to which 53 inmates eagerly look forward. A unique therapy, known as ‘Cognitive Transformation Therapy’, is providing a chance for inner change. It is helping them anchor themselves in the present and manage their emotions more effectively.

Phra Ajarn emphasises that “The greed and anger are always there, but they can also be managed. You don't have to have greed or anger. They are manageable”.

The therapy encourages inmates to acknowledge their emotions, by not letting them control their behaviour.

Through activities, such as guided meditation, emotional exploration via the Wheel of Emotions, group discussions and mindful eating and walking exercises, the program provides the participants with the tools with which to cultivate self-awareness and emotional balance.

The ripple effect

The training sessions have a positive impact on both the inmates and the prison environment, as it directly improves the behaviour of inmates who were previously uncooperative and aggressive, requiring a higher level of security and causing stress for prison officers, according to Pramote Thongsri, the superintendent of Bang Kwang Central Prison.

Pramote Thongsri, Superintendent of Bang Kwang Central Prison

He noted that many of the death row inmates who have participated, and who previously had aggression problems, "no longer get into trouble after learning meditation and self-awareness".

This, in turn, has made prison management much easier and less stressful for everyone.

The change in the participants is noticeable. "Now, their eyes show happiness. Even on death row, they smile," he observed.

They’ve started to be compassionate, sharing their food and even knowledge with their fellow prisoners. Many of them spend their free time meditating, said Pramote.

Resetting oneself

“Most people believe the world revolves around them but, in reality, we are just small creatures on this earth,” said ‘J’, a participant.

He added that, through this program he has learned to reset his perspective by focusing inward before looking outward. His view has expanded.

“My life in prison doesn’t change, but my attitude towards myself does,” he noted.

He said this helps him recognise what really matters in his life, saying “(There is) no need to be an important person, just be myself—it's the best”.

‘J’ concluded that, while he couldn’t pinpoint exactly how much he has changed since joining the program, he feels he is becoming a better person, even if just a little.

Peace of mind

‘M’ is the only inmate in this group who is not on death row. He recalls the culture shock of being transferred to Bang Kwang Central Prison, where language barriers and mental health struggles made his life miserable. He used to be one of the most difficult inmates.

He focused a lot on the negatives and the things or situations he couldn’t access, often blaming other people’s circumstances for his own situation.

He eventually realised, however, that “It is no one else's fault. It's my fault I'm here. Nobody made me do what I did.”

After attending about ten sessions, ‘M’ said that his mental health has improved by 95%. He was taught techniques to understand himself better, recognise and manage his emotions and alleviate suffering.

He also learnt the importance of self-worth and, basically, how to be a better person.

“It’s very enlightening. I just feel peaceful. Even though I’m here, far from home and all the people I love, I’m not overly worried, sad, or angry,” said ‘M’.

Today, ‘M’ helps teach English to his fellow inmates and practices meditation daily.

Ultimately, the lessons learned inside Bang Kwang Central Prison are a testament to the fact that, even in the most difficult circumstances, inner transformation is possible.

By Att Boonyatus and Neeranuch Kunakorn