On 17 Mar 2026 GMT+7, the Cabinet acknowledged the report on nutrition, food and water sanitation, environmental health, and prison sanitation as proposed by the Ministry of Justice.
On 17 March 2026 GMT+7, Ms. Airin Panrit, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office, disclosed that the Cabinet acknowledged the report on nutrition, food and water sanitation, environmental health, and prison sanitation submitted by the Ministry of Justice. The Cabinet also instructed that the Ombudsman be informed accordingly and requested the Ministry of Justice to consider recommendations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Anti-Corruption Commission for further action.
Key points of the matter
1. Overcrowding and environmental conditions in prisons, where inmate numbers exceed capacity, affect utility management such as space allocation, water supply, and waste disposal. Budget constraints hinder development and maintenance of essential living standards for prisoners. Insufficient staff further limit comprehensive utility management. Nonetheless, the Ministry of Justice through the Department of Corrections has implemented measures aligned with the Ombudsman's recommendations.
2. The report on nutrition, food and water sanitation, environmental health, and prison sanitation submitted by the Ministry of Justice follows the Cabinet resolution of 18 Nov 2025 GMT+7, which designated the Ministry of Justice as the lead agency to act on the Ombudsman's recommendations regarding prison management and prisoner treatment, specifically on food sanitation, drinking and utility water, and prisoner nutrition. The Ministry of Justice summarized the implementation results for the Cabinet, including:
(1) Requiring prisons, detention centers, and correctional facilities to appoint committees to inspect raw food items, including neutral external experts with relevant knowledge as committee members.
(2) Developing sample meal plans based on nutritional principles that inmates should receive daily, considering menu variety.
(3) Mandating monthly safety and quality inspections of water at rotating points throughout the year.
(4) Assigning related agencies to prepare surveys covering the Department of Corrections' overall operations, including prisoner conditions, in line with the United Nations' minimum standards for prisoner treatment.
Additionally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Anti-Corruption Commission offered further suggestions to consider implementing other relevant international standards and practices concurrently. They emphasized that the Department of Corrections should focus on the role and participation of civil society and the public to enhance oversight of government operations.