89careJIM NEALE is a photojournalist who travels
extensively throughout the Middle East, Africa
and Asia. He is a contributing photographer for
the UN World Food Program as well as other
UN agencies.They both sighed, as I noticed the
strong mother-daughter bond and
the shared commitment they have for
their mission.
To begin working at the spa, each
candidate must complete a 180-hour
massage training curriculum, which
is certified by the Thailand Institute
of Skilled Development, Ministry of
Public Health and the Chiang Mai
Woman’s Prison. Special instruction
in ethics, values and Thai healing
philosophies are strongly stressed in
their training. This enthuses a sense
of professionalism, pride and self-
esteem, which has helped maintain
such a high rate of success.
Naowart has not only changed
lives and directions of these women
but has transformed some of the
viewpoints and prejudices Thai society
has held towards them. Currently, half
the spa’s client base are fellow Thais,
which is incredible considering Chiang
Maiʼs popularity as a major foreign
tourist destination.
Measured by statistics, it might
be one of the most successful prison
rehabilitation programmes in the
world. Out of 100 inmates Naowart
has hired in the last five years, only
one has returned to prison. A onepercent recidivism rate is quite
an accomplishment considering
the highly addictive nature of
methamphetamines, and compared
to a 50 percent re-offence rate in most
Western countries.
This remarkable spa not only
alleviates the tired and ailing bodies
of visitors, but it restores the lives
and souls of their therapists as well.
Next year, Naowart and a few of her
employees will tour and address
other correctional facilities around
the country, demonstrating the
effectiveness of their programme and
its potential to transform the lives of
other incarcerated women.
Perhaps their success comes
from a combination of factors:
an environment which imbues
motivation, fuelled by the richness
of Thai culture and balanced through
the harmony ingrained in Buddhism.
But these are only speculations
and impressions, gatherings from a
meandering tourist with a misaligned
back and a stiff neck.Measured by statistics, it might be one of the
most successful prison rehabilitation programmes
in the world.“What is your secret?” my curious
nature once again asking “Mom”
as I was leaving. She looked up and
offered a generous, soothing smile,
which captured my attention. It was
then I suddenly realised that this
simple, caring smile was my answer,
and it seemed a fittingexplanation for
this special refuge of healing. agleft The wonders a second
chance can offer those who
have made mistakes, but
have it in them to change and
become better people
below Leading a movement
that has a tenfold returnTHIS STORY IS REPRINTED FROM ASIAN GEOGRAPHIC’S FIFTH ISSUE IN 2012.