LEGAL MEASURES FOR PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING AND EMOTIONAL WELLNESS PROMOTION OF ELDERLY PRISONERS
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Abstract
Introduction: Thailand has begun to place increasing emphasis on promoting the mental and emotional well-being of prisoners in correctional facilities in accordance with the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Mandela Rules) and the Older Persons Act B.E. 2546 However there are still no adequate legal measures that provide proper protection in this regard. Objectives: 1) To examine the concepts and theories related to imprisonment, including approaches for promoting the mental and emotional well-being of elderly prisoners. 2) To analyze legal issues concerning the promotion of mental and emotional well-being of elderly prisoners in Thailand in comparison with other countries. 3) To identify appropriate improvement measures for promoting the mental and emotional well-being of elderly prisoners in line with international minimum standards. Methods: This research adopts a qualitative approach, studying Thai laws related to the promotion of mental and emotional well-being of elderly prisoners and comparing them with the relevant legal measures of the United States Japan and the Commonwealth of Australia. Results: The findings reveal that Thailand’s legal measures currently enforced by the Department of Corrections remain insufficient in protecting and promoting the mental and emotional well-being of elderly prisoners. Healthcare services, hygiene, and environmental conditions remain inadequate for elderly inmates, and activities are not designed to meet their specific needs. Furthermore, there is still no specific legal provision concerning the rehabilitation of elderly prisoners. Conclusion: Thailand should establish proper legal approaches and measures for promoting the mental and emotional well-being of elderly prisoners, in line with the legal approaches implemented in the United States, Japan, and the Commonwealth of Australia, to enhance the well-being of elderly prisoners in Thailand
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