Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Photo: Xinhua/VNA) Bangkok (VNA) - On the occasion of his coronation, Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn has granted a royal pardon that declares amnesty or reduces sentence for prisoners, giving them a chance to become good citizens.
According to the Royal Decree published on May 3, inmates eligible for release include people detained for petty offences; people doing community work rather than pay a fine; those already on parole; those with less than a year to serve; and those medically certified disabled or with a serious illness such as cancer or HIV/AIDS.
The amnesty is applied to females who are first-time inmates and had served at least half of their sentences; those aged over 60 with less than three years to serve; or those over 70. First-time inmates under 20 years old who have served at least half of their sentences and inmates showing excellent behaviours with less than two years to serve were also granted freedom.
A number of death row inmates see their sentences reduced to life imprisonment. Others got reduced sentences include those under life imprisonment, drug-related criminals who serve a jail term from eight years and above, or inmates aged 70 and above.
The royal amnesty will take effect from May 4, with granted prisoners released within four months following relevant verification from the police.
Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn became King Rama X in December 2016, after his farther King Bhumibol Adulyadej – Rama IX – passed away in October the same year, at 88.
His coronation is scheduled for May 4 – 6.-VNA
VNA
