Abstract:
The purpose of the study on THE LIFE PATHWAY OF FEMALE RECIDIVISM OF CRYSTAL METHAMPHETAMINE (ICE) was to examine the life pathway of female recidivism of crystal methamphetamine (ICE), and their turning points in each life span causing their recidivism, as well as preventive measures for their recidivism. This study was based on the qualitative approach relying on document studies and in-depth interview with 12 female recidivism of crystal methamphetamine (ICE) who have been detained in the Central Women Correctional Institution and Phetchaburi Central Prison. The in-depth interview also involved certain officers with working experience in female convicted prisoners who committed recidivism in narcotic cases, which included prison practitioners and management. The results indicated that the female recidivism of crystal methamphetamine (ICE), committed the first offence at ages of 20-29 years, and they repeated such offence for the second and third time at ages of 30-39 years. Most of these female convicted prisoners attainted the primary and junior secondary school levels with the average monthly income about Baht 10,000-19,999. For their narcotics background, the cases for their first offence were the cases relating to narcotics distribution and narcotics possession for distribution. The cases for their second and third offences were the cases relating to narcotics possession for distribution. Most of these female prisoners have been previously granted the royal pardon, and they were the prisoners in the excellent class now. There were 4 main factors in their life course causing such recidivism ; namely, 1) family relationship during adolescence ; 2) association with peers during adolescence ; 3) social pressure during early adulthood ; and 4) sexual role during early adulthood. It was also found that a belief in using narcotics for weight loss was another cause leading to their offence. From the results of this study, the preventive measures for such recidivism should be implemented by: 1) strengthening family love and understanding ; 2) associating with good peers ; 3) not valuing richness too much ; 4) family leaders should have the secure occupations and be relied on by the family ; 5) giving the facts that narcotic taking does not lead to any weight loss, but harm the takers health ; 6) arranging the preparation program before releasing the prisoners ; 7) signing the MOU with other related agencies to prevent recidivism ; and 8) setting the Care Center to promote and coordinate for providing jobs for these released prisoners, and give advice to them.