BANGKOK, May 4 (TNA) — Between 40,000-50,000 prisoners throughout Thailand will be released and returned to their families on the occasion of the ongong Coronation cerremony of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn, in line with the Thai tradition, said Pol Col Naras Savetanan, Director-General of Corrections Department.
Pol Col Naras said authorities of all the 143 prisons nationwide have already announced to prisoners that many of them would be released while some have their sentences reduced.
The Corrections Department will now evaluate prisoners’ qualifications and then either released or reduced their sentences, he said, adding that judges, prosecutors and provincial governors will form a tripartite committee in making the decision before sending their lists to courts.
For those receiving jail terms on significant charges such as human trafficking, drug and illegal forest encroachment are entitled to receive less benefits than other prison mates.
Sources said among those who would be released this time are five key members of now-defunct People’s Alliance for Democracy.
The five men include Maj Gen Chamlong Srimuang, 83, Pibhop Dhongchai, 72, Somkiat Pongpaibul, 68, Somsak Kosaisuk, 72, and Suriyasai Katasila, 45.
However, Sondhi Limthongkul, 70, will remain in prison because he faces several other offences, sources added. (TNA)
