[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/international\/massage-centre-run-by-prison-inmates-in-chiang-mai\/#NewsArticle","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/international\/massage-centre-run-by-prison-inmates-in-chiang-mai\/","headline":"Massage Centre Run by Prison Inmates in Chiang Mai","name":"Massage Centre Run by Prison Inmates in Chiang Mai","description":"Chiang Mai, Thailand, is located 700km north of Bangkok, and was founded in 1296 as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom. It is the largest city in Northern Thailand, and is situated near the highest mountains in the country. As a result, temperatures at night can go as low as 10\u00b0C (50\u00b0F). Today, it is […]","datePublished":"2020-08-08","dateModified":"2021-11-26","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/author\/Claudia%20Tan\/#Person","name":"Claudia Tan","url":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/author\/Claudia%20Tan\/","identifier":73,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/6f2004e13e937d58b50adb5fc43b2f9a318d48ec017194d5e4f2b87e462a5219?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/6f2004e13e937d58b50adb5fc43b2f9a318d48ec017194d5e4f2b87e462a5219?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"TheHomeGround Asia","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/photo_2021-07-22-222533.jpeg","url":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/photo_2021-07-22-222533.jpeg","width":640,"height":640}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/1596879127890_Massage_Centre_Run_by_Prison_Inmates_in_Chiang_Mai.jpg","url":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/1596879127890_Massage_Centre_Run_by_Prison_Inmates_in_Chiang_Mai.jpg","height":667,"width":1000},"url":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/international\/massage-centre-run-by-prison-inmates-in-chiang-mai\/","about":["Health & Wellness","International"],"wordCount":701,"articleBody":"Chiang Mai, Thailand, is located 700km north of Bangkok, and was founded in 1296 as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom. It is the largest city in Northern Thailand, and is situated near the highest mountains in the country. As a result, temperatures at night can go as low as 10\u00b0C (50\u00b0F). Today, it is known for being a hotspot for tourists who want to witness the intersectionality of rich Thai history with the vibrancy of modern city life.\u00a0One of the highlights of this rustic city is the Doi Suthep National Park, which houses the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of the most holy Buddhist sites in Thailand. Chiang Mai Old City is also a hotspot for tourists as it is an area brimming with handicraft shops, antiques, and clothes.\u00a0Another integral aspect of immersing oneself in Thai culture is through tasting the many local delicacies that Chiang Mai has to offer. A staple food for many Northern Thais is sticky rice, known as \u2018khao neow\u2019 to the locals. Additionally, another unforgettable favourite for many is Khao Soi, a noodle soup made with a spicy coconut curry, accompanied with either chicken or beef, and yellow noodles.And of course, who can forget about the quintessential Thai massages? After a long day of walking and venturing, there\u2019s nothing better than having someone help to soothe those aching muscles. What\u2019s more, getting a massage in Chiang Mai is extremely affordable \u2014 a one-hour session costs an average of 200 baht, equivalent to less than SGD 10!\u00a0Although there are a myriad of massage parlours scattered around the city, one particular chain stands out from the rest. Located near the Three Kings Monument, the Chiang Mai Women\u2019s Correctional Institute Massage is just as its name suggests. A social enterprise of the Chiang Mai Women\u2019s Correctional Institute, the massage parlour is run by women who are currently serving their sentences, with a presence of a few female wardens to ensure safety.\u00a0Before you dismiss the idea of being served by prisoners \u2014 these women are non-violent offenders who are at the end of their sentences; they have to undergo a six-month long training programme with multiple assessments before they are allowed to work at the center.\u00a0The setting up of a massage center at the vocational institute is part of the prison\u2019s efforts to rehabilitate its inmates, and provide them with a smoother reintegration to society when they are released. Up to 80% of these women have been incarcerated for drug offenses, a result of the country\u2019s campaign against drugs. Hence, being able to secure stable employment is a crucial factor that will help these women remain sober when they are released.\u00a0Over the years, many of them also choose to continue working as a masseuse at parlours that have partnered with the center.\u00a0Furthermore, 50% of the money that these ladies earn will be given to them upon their release so that they may start life anew; any tips given by customers will also contribute to the sum of money they receive upon release.\u00a0When the programme was still in its infancy, massages would be done directly on prison grounds, but it has since moved out to occupy its own compound opposite the prison due to a lack of space \u2014 evincing the success and viability of the programme. The massage center is also conveniently located next to a restaurant and a gift shop which sells trinkets and crafts made by the inmates.\u00a0There are also a plethora of massage parlours who hire these ladies who have just been released from prison, such as the Women\u2019s Massage Center by Ex-Prisoners, located nearby.\u00a0What\u2019s more, prices for a massage are comparable to what is offered by a typical shop in Chiang Mai \u2014 a one hour foot massage costs around 180 to 200 baht. The service provided is pretty extensive as well, beginning with a relaxing foot wash, followed by the soothing Thai-style massage that we all know and love.\u00a0The Chiang Mai Women\u2019s Correctional Institute Massage is located at 100 Rachawithi Road, Siriphum T, Muang Chiang Mai. It opens from 8.30am to 4.30pm on Mondays to Fridays, and 9.30am to 4.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays.\u00a0"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"International","item":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/international\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Massage Centre Run by Prison Inmates in Chiang Mai","item":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/international\/massage-centre-run-by-prison-inmates-in-chiang-mai\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]