The private sector has agreed to employ 1,000 inmates to work at industrial estates as part of a Department of Corrections (DoC) industrial work programme to help them return to society after being freed.
DoC director-general Aryut Sinthopphan said Justice Minister Somsak Thepsutin is urging society to give inmates a chance to change themselves.
The programme was being launched first in Samut Prakan as a pilot project.
Apart from seeking jobs for inmates, the project is also expected to boost production capacity in the industrial sector after many migrant workers were deported back to their home countries due to Covid-19.
Many firms have also contacted the department offering long-term employment to about 300-400 inmates.
While working at the industrial estates, all selected inmates are required to wear EM (electronic monitoring) ankle bracelets, Mr Aryut said.
"Mr Somsak has instructed the department to seek jobs for inmates. Inmates are also Thai citizens and must be treated equally. They must be given a chance to live in society again and encouraged so they don't offend again," said Mr Aryut.