The Causes of Crime in Murder Case: A Case Study of Thonburi Remand Prison

Abstract

This study aimed (1) to examine the causes of homicide offenses and (2) to propose prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation strategies for offenders. A qualitative research approach was employed through in-depth interviews with 10 male inmates convicted of homicide and 6 prison officers. The findings indicate that homicide results from an interplay of individual, psychological, and social factors. These include a history of family violence, limited education, economic stress, substance use, impaired psychological development, insecure attachment, poor emotional regulation, and motivations driven by anger, fear, or revenge, as well as psychiatric problems. Social factors include neglectful upbringing, the acquisition of deviant behaviors, interpersonal conflict, and weak social bonds. Preventive and rehabilitative strategies should adopt an integrated approach that addresses psychological, behavioral, and life-skill dimensions through therapeutic interventions, vocational training, the promotion of positive values, and community preparation. These should be guided by the Risk-Needs-Responsivity principle and Restorative Justice, alongside measures such as controlling access to weapons, monitoring at-risk individuals, implementing mental-health surveillance, and reducing post-release stigma. In summary, understanding homicide requires a multidimensional perspective, and effective prevention and rehabilitation must respond to individual needs while strengthening social support systems to reduce long-term criminal risk.