LGBTQ PRISONERS’ RIGHTS PROTECTION: A CASE STUDY OF A PROVINCIAL CENTRAL PRISON

Abstract

Introduction According to the concept of prisoners’ rights protection, prisoners should not be subjected to any actions that diminish their human dignity regardless of their offenses, deprivation of liberty, or sexual orientation as LGBTQ individuals. Research Objective The purpose of this study is to examine the protection of the rights of LGBTQ prisoners in a provincial central prison. Methodology This is a qualitative study using purposive sampling to select participants with relevant experience and expertise in LGBTQ prisoners’ rights protection. They were divided into two groups: 1) experts in LGBTQ prisoners’ rights protection and 2) officers working in a provincial central prison. The research instruments include semi-structured interview questions and focus group discussion guides. Data were collected through interviews and focus group discussions and analyzed using content analysis. Findings The study found that the protection of the rights of LGBTQ prisoners in the provincial central prison does not comply with the international standards, which require that treatment align with prisoners’ gender identity. Measures that should be implemented include sexual identity assessments, body examinations, prison placement, and consideration of other special needs. Conclusion It is recommended that Thailand should establish a specific policy to promote and protect the rights of LGBTQ prisoners throughout every stage of the correctional process in order to uphold human rights and ensure equality within the prison system.