Unexpected careers: Double master’s degree holder finds calling working in prisons

Iron gates clanking, footsteps echoing down dim hallways, the sounds of inmates chatting or even screaming — life isn’t just hard on those serving time, it can be tough for those working in prisons too.

But for Marut Soontrong, the Klong Prem Central Prison (KPCP) in Thailand isn’t just a building with cells and criminals. He chooses to see it differently — as a place with potential for change.

His official title is Plan and Policy Analyst cum Chief of Education at KPCP’s Department of Corrections.

Again, Soontrong doesn’t feel limited by his title. He had a bigger mission to focus on.

Most might shy away from working in a prison, but Soontrong isn’t fazed by the task. Source: Marut Soontrong

From studying to working in a prison

Working in a prison is an unconventional or untraditional career choice for most people. 

But Soontrong had always been a fan of politics. Making a difference is just part of his make.

After completing high school, he pursued a bachelor’s degree in Political Science at Thammasat University.

Soon after graduating, Soontrong started his career as a plan and policy analyst at the Department of Corrections in Nonthaburi, Thailand, just outside the capital city of Bangkok. 

Here, he was responsible for strategic planning and policy-making regarding offender management and inmate rehabilitation. He also has experience as a prison officer.

“It was strange at first because you’re working alongside people who have committed crimes,” says Soontrong. “But they’re still people, so over time it just felt normal as it’s my job.”

Two years into his job at the Department of Corrections, Soontrong was offered a scholarship from the Thai government to pursue a master’s degree. He decided that a Master’s in Public Policy from the University of Nottingham would align with his career goals.

“I love politics, and I noticed that it’s essential to know how policy-making works and how we work with the government to make them successful, hence my decision to pursue a Master’s in Public Policy,” says Soontrong.

Upon completing his degree, Soontrong returned to his job as a plan and policy analyst at the Department of Corrections. He then founded a policy and a pre-release training programme for inmates to prepare them to reintegrate into society.

The programme lasted six months, and over 6,000 inmates have benefited from it thus far. Many of them were taught how to apply skills for jobs. Some, on the day they were released, successfully secured jobs.

On top of that, the inmates were given support to prepare for what they may face when they return to society.

“I’m very happy to help inmates,” says Soontrong.

The gravity of what he was doing wasn’t lost on him. Thus while he’s aware that many people probably view his job negatively, he’s undeterred.

“It’s an important job, because if no one does it, who will?” he says.

The importance of assisting inmates to reintegrate into society

While Soontrong has found fulfilment working in a prison, he wanted a better understanding of how the convicts and criminals think.

In 2023, he signed up for another advanced degree: a Master’s in Criminology at the University of Auckland in New Zealand.

This was eye-opening for Soontrong. 

“When pursuing my master’s in criminology, I learnt that we can’t keep inmates locked up for their entire sentence,” says Soontrong.

Prisons in Thailand still practise solitary confinement and segregation, where inmates are often placed into a single cell with little to no contact with other individuals.

Acknowledging this does not meet global standards for human rights, Soontrong moved to right this wrong.

He proposed to let those convicted of petty crimes — uch as shoplifting, trespassing, and vandalism. — to return home for a day each week to spend time with their family.

“Not only will the inmates benefit from this, but their families will too,” says Soontrong. “They’ll learn how to be together again and build the support they need to prepare for a life together when the inmate gets released.”

Working in a prison is hard work — especially in an overcrowded prison like the Thai ones. Source: AFP

Allowing inmates to return home isn’t Soontrong’s only inititative — he is working on providing books and even building libraries in Thailand prisons.

“As the Chief of Education, I want to build an environment where inmates can learn about things that are happening in the outside world,” he shares.

“We’re also planning on developing English courses to help them develop their language skills, as this will help them reintegrate into society.”

This can help ex-offenders rebuild positive relationships and feel more connected to society, even getting jobs. 

Given the low standards of prisoners’ rights, what he’s doing is profound.

Yet, this is only the beginning for Soontrong.

“Working in a prison’s a big challenge; you’ll never know who will change and become a good person,” says Soontrong. “But I am determined to help them through educational activities, mental development activities, religious activities, and even music therapy.” 

Working in a prison has been fulfilling for Soontrong, especially when he gets to see inmates overcoming their feelings of isolation. Source: Marut Soontrong

For those who want to help others, this is what you can do

For those looking to pursue a degree in public policy or criminology, Soontrong has some advice: 

“To succeed in the degree, you’ll need to have a deep understanding of society and the impact your degree will have on it. Ask yourself, ‘Why am I interested in these topics?’ or ‘What injustices do I want to combat?’”

It’s good that you’re thinking about joining public service — which is why he calls for more to explore lesser-known areas of government, such as working in prisons.

“Seeing society as a whole is best, rather than seeing it from a small lens,” Soontrong shares. “There are many angles you can look at in criminal justice that might interest you.”

Last but not least, Soontrong advises keeping an open mind and familiarising yourself with the dark side of society, especially for those looking to pursue a career in the prison system or in systems that are related to violence.

However, it’s important to take note that while exploring this side of society can be interesting, you need to keep a safe distance from it so it does not affect your regular life outside of work.