Equality for all jailbirds

The measure is being taken to ease crowded conditions for female inmates.

The pilot programme, set to start early this year, will have the same number of male and female inmates in the same jail, the department's director-general Nathee Chitsawang said.

"Female prisoners will be given the same training as male prisoners. They will no longer be confined in a small corner of the jail, but will instead be given the same access to buildings and areas as male inmates," he said.

"We are doing this to ease overcrowding. In addition, female officials will be given the same duties and will work side by side with male officials in order to solve the shortage of staff."

He said the department aimed to promote gender equality in prisons.