Crazy week. I really am loving my internship. It is really keeping me busy-went to prison!!
haha not at all, but... too bad i didnt publish this one on April fools day.
I am interning at the embassy and the objective for department is to help U.S. companies export their products/ services. This means working with a WIDE range of businesses that request help. Commercial agents are assigned to specific industries, but because I am an intern, I get to help with all different areas.
Last Monday a US business owner from Creative C*rrections was in town to attend some business meetings that were setup by commercial services. The gentlemen from Texas was interested in consulting the Thai government with their correctional system/structure. He has a lot of experience in designing and running security facilities along with his experience as a prison warden at several US prisons. One big role commercial services does for American companies is setup business meetings for companies(for a very small fee), then accompany them to the first meeting. I was invited to attend the Creative C*rrections meeting to see how they conduct business here in Thailand.
What an experience. The first meeting was with the juvenile corrections department. There were about 20 people in attendance, a photographer (always), and snacks. It was fascinating to hear about Thailand’s juvenile correction system. They seem to have their hands full, but genuinely have children’s well being as a priority. They are concerned on overcrowding (something like 30% over limits) and lack of community-based support systems. Another issue is the UN has raised the age for separation to 12 from 10, but it would this means 400 children between 10 to 12 need to be moved. They plan to make this adjustment but there is not a plan or facilities to do this just yet.
The next stop was to the adult corrections offices. Thai prisons are known for their over-crowding. Someone told me a story that if you get up to go the bathroom in the middle of the night, you lose your spot to sleep. I found out there are about 100 Americans in their prison system. They must serve at least 4 years before requesting to be moved to the American system (or get a pardon from the king).
Overall, the juvenile division seemed interested in Creative C*rrections-hopefully it works out.
Sure beats a day plugging away in excel.
