Patterns of Inmate Subculture: A Qualitative Study of Thai Inmates
Abstract:
This qualitative research is to explain the characteristics of the inmate subculture, the structures of inmate group and the sub-structural model of inmates afflicting the Thai prison administration. Indepth interviews are conducted with the inmate group chiefs (called "leader") and with the authorities of five Central Prisons in Thailand empowered to control inmates sentenced to terms of more than 30 years. Results reveal that most inmates were intentionally grouped by the areas where they lived before being convicted. The "Prison Group" was thus called "Home" to show the geographic inmate origin, such as the Bangkhen Home, the Chonburi Home and the Bangkwang Home and so on. Such grouping was intended to provide familiarity and sharing among member and to prevent maltreatment from other inmates. This grouping plan in general, caused no cultural clashes with prison regulations, but three resulting subcultures plagued the prison administration. They were 1) the young adult inmate grouping with offense records as juveniles, 2) the body and facial tattoo grouping, and 3) the trafficker grouping. The traffickers developed financial influence and cooperation between Home groups, and exploited opportunities in mobile phone smuggling, contraband trafficking, gambling and blackmail, and other prohibited activities. They sought to earn income in order to supervise members and to create negotiation power with other Homes and the authorities in order to ease their prison lives.
Keyword:
Subculture, Inmates, Group Rules, Structure of Prison Group.