Phuket’s short-time prisoners to walk first in mass pardon

PHUKET: Convicts serving only short sentences at Phuket Prison have been given priority in being granted freedom in a mass pardon to be honored tomorrow.

Prison Director Pichit Wanajit has applied to the Phuket Provincial Court for release warrants for 233 prisoners, including 25 women.

The prisoners are to be released in accordance with a royal pardon issued by HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej to mark the 60th birthday of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn tomorrow, April 2.

“We expect to release the prisoners at 4pm. We plan to invite Phuket Governor Nisit Jansomwong to lead the ceremony,” Mr Pichit told the Phuket Gazette.

Prisoners handed down sentences of one year or less – or have less than a year to serve to complete their jail terms – will be granted pardons first, he explained.

“We did not consider what crime they committed; only the jail time to be served,” he said.

Mr Pichit wished all the prisoners to be released, a good life.

“I wish them all the very best, and to live a good life and not come back,” he said. “Above all, I hope they all realize and honor the royal grace that has been bestowed on every one of them.”

— Chutharat Plerin