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 amnestyor reduces sentence for prisoners, giving them a chance to become goodcitizens.
According to the Royal Decree published on May 3, inmateseligible for release include people detained for petty offences; people doingcommunity work rather than pay a fine; those already on parole; those with lessthan a year to serve; and those medically certified disabled or with a seriousillness such as cancer or HIV/AIDS.
The amnesty is applied to females who are first-time inmatesand had served at least half of their sentences; those aged over 60 with lessthan three years to serve; or those over 70. First-time inmates under 20 yearsold who have served at least half of their sentences and inmates showingexcellent behaviours with less than two years to serve were also grantedfreedom.
A number of death row inmates see their sentences reduced tolife imprisonment. Others got reduced sentences include those under lifeimprisonment, drug-related criminals who serve a jail term from eight years andabove, or inmates aged 70 and above.
The royal amnesty will take effect from May 4, with grantedprisoners released within four months following relevant verification from thepolice.
Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn became King Rama X inDecember 2016, after his farther King Bhumibol Adulyadej – Rama IX – passedaway in October the same year, at 88.
His coronation is scheduled for May 4 – 6.-VNA
VNA
