GUIDELINE FOR PREVENTING CRIMES OF THE ELDERLY WHO ARE INCACERATED IN PHRA NAKHON SI AYUTTAYA PROVINCIAL PRISON

Abstract

This research aims to 1) study the causes and factors contributing to criminal behavior of elderly inmates in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Provincial Prison, and 2) identify guidelines for preventing criminal behavior in this group. The study employed a mixed-method approach, including a quantitative method with 70 elderly inmates and a qualitative method with 9 experts and government representatives. The instruments used were a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire to collect data on factors causing criminal behavior and semi-structured interviews to gather information on preventive measures. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequency tables, mean, and standard deviation, while qualitative data were analyzed by categorizing and synthesizing information according to physical, psychological, social, and economic aspects.

          The results indicated that the factors influencing criminal behavior among elderly inmates were generally low, with economic factors having the greatest impact, followed by community factors, while family factors had the least influence. Key prevention guidelines included providing physical and mental health care, organizing recreational activities, promoting occupational skills and legal knowledge, strengthening family and community support networks, conducting group activities to enhance self-worth and social bonds, and implementing pre-release preparation measures. These interventions can help reduce the risk of recidivism among elderly inmates.