'I visited woman's prison in Thailand – then inmates gave me a special surprise'
A prison probably wouldn't be top of most people's bucket lists when travelling abroad, but for one Brit it proved quite an experience after she made her way to Thailand.
Rachel Smith (@rachelsmithsx) documents her travels across the globe on TikTok and trip to Southeast Asia was both relaxing and educational - despite spending time at an all-female institution. In a video shared to her 26,000 followers, she revealed she was even given a massage by an inmate while she was there.
"I'm about to go to a female prison in Chang Mai," Rachel shared as she wandered around the local neighbourhood. "It's not an ordinary prison because you can actually go to their restaurant and get a massage by one of the inmates - it's such an important programme as they actually get qualifications."
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She continued: "When they're released they actually get a job out of it so I'm really excited to take you with me." Upon arrival at the facility, Rachel shared further footage of her entry to the massage parlour along with its price list at 250 baht and 500 baht for one and two hour traditional massages respectively.
"It's the best massage I've had in Thailand," she hailed afterwards. "That's an understatement, it was literally insane - it worked out between £5 and £6 for the hour, which is crazy and they were just so lovely and smiley. It's so important they're doing something like this."
Closing with a cup of tea at the prison, Rachel encouraged others to take a trip too. "I saw this on a travel programme... looks a great place to visit... glad you enjoyed your visit," one person responded.
"I went there a good few years ago and it’s still the best massage I’ve had in Thailand!" agreed a second. A third added: "This is such a great thing to do!"
However, a fourth TikTok user appeared sceptical, penning: "Can you just imagine getting a message of a person that has committed a really heinous crime against a minor? Yes I know everyone should get a second chance but some people are truly evil."
A mission statement for the prison on the Chiang Mai Travel Hub website reads: "The Chiang Mai Women’s Correctional Institution is a women’s only prison which trains inmates with valuable skills; such as learning how to give a massage, as well as customer service and hospitality jobs.
"The purpose of the organisation is to provide the women with the skills they need to find a job after leaving prison. Found in the centre of Chiang Mai’s old city near the Three Kings Monument, the institution has clearly been doing a good job because all the inmates are well-behaved and act professionally.
"A vocational training centre is located right across the prison, a wooden building designed in traditional Lanna style. Only a few female security guards roam the areas, to ensure safety at all times, however, emergencies rarely ever do happen."
