Death-row inmates take up painting to get peace of mind

The Corrections Department had no answer until HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn recommended drawing.

"Thanks to the Princess, we have come up with the art-for-all project," department deputy director-general Preeyaporn Srimongkol said.

The Princess, herself an accomplished artist, got her friends to help.

Professor Channarong Pornrungroj, the head of fine arts at Chulalongkorn University, visited prisons to find able artists.

The artists are on death row, lifers or new inmates.

"We chose these inmates because we want to help them cope with stress. Those who will soon be free normally have a lower level of stress," Channarong explained.

"The number of students has grown to 50 now," Channarong said.

One death-row convict recalled how the art-for-all project rescued him from depression.

"When I was sent to prison, I really lost hope and didn't want to do anything," he said.

He used to study art with Thawan Datchanee.

He is in jail for killing en who murdered his father.

"Because of a monent of passion I have to spend my whole life behind bars. Life is very much like a painting. When we are in a bad mood, just a single bad brushstroke by us can spoil the whole painting. Had I not killed anybody, I would have been able to enjoy a good life," the convict said.

He urged others to turn to art when they felt like killing. "Put your emotions into the paintings," he said, "And you should always be patient".

He hopes for a royal pardon and a chance to improve his skills so he can teach others.

Preeyaporn said the art-for-all project provided a weekly class for inmates for one whole year. Graduates teach others.

Bang Kwang Prison chief Chutinan Petcharoen sees good things.

"At Bang Kwang all inmates are serving at least 30 years. Most of them suffer from hopelessness and stress. They often end up brawling. Certainly those attending the art class have shown improved behaviour," Chutinan said.

The department has sold some of the best paintings, with the artist getting half the money.