Thai jails are scaring kids straight with Amy Winehouse

“I think Amy’s story is a real story that reflects real problems in the society, especially among teenagers,” said Kamron Chudecha of the Stop Drink Network. “It’s not too late for the students to find their gifts and learn from her mistakes … Amy lost the battle, but these kids still have a chance.”

Of course, Thailand has built up some serious international notoriety for having a draconian set of substance abuse laws; you know you’ve got street cred when Claire Danes stars in a feature film about your jails being a major bummer. It’s not entirely clear how many more chances these kids have to even get out of jail, much less become sober Amy Winehouses.

And while it’s admirable these groups are helping troubled Thai youth before they kill themselves through alcohol and drugs, this outreach should be taken in context. These kids are already neck-deep in the junior edition of the world’s most potent criminal deterrent. If the Thai correctional system doesn’t put you on a straight and narrow path, it’s questionable that you’ll be persuaded by the nuanced, heartfelt story of a pop star who partied like a rock star until it killed her.