Motivations Affecting Recidivism in Male Category-1-Drug-Offenses: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Treatment of inmates should be based on the principles of human rights, assuming that individuals can be corrected to avoid relapse. It was discovered, meanwhile, that drug-related recidivism rates are higher in Thailand than those of any other type of offense. This qualitative research aims to understand details of the factors affecting category-1-drug-offense recidivism. Data was collected through in-depth interviews of 5 male inmates from the Central Special Treatment Center, Thailand, who were former offenders and re-offenders for the offense of category-1-drug (Methamphetamine) distribution. Phenomenological analysis was applied and two essential themes were found. First is the motivation to commit a crime, which includes four sub-themes: financial returns, the environment closely linked to drug trafficking, past experiences which allows the trafficking to persist, and social exclusion of offenders.   The second theme is the rehabilitation process in prisons. This consists of three sub-themes, namely, promotion of legitimate professions, drug education, and prisons as prisoners’ second home. The results of this research can be discussed with psychological concepts and theories which leads to suggestions for further application and develop solutions to rehabilitate offenders.