Chuwit to be released from prison today under royal pardon

BANGKOK, Dec 16 (TNA) – Outspoken former MP Chuwit Kamolvisit is among the first batch of inmates to be released today under the royal pardon, granted by His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn. Mr Chuwit’s relatives and media members are waiting for his release at the Medical Correctional Institution in Ladyao, Bangkok. Mr Chuwit, also former massage parlour tycoon was convicted for razing bars and shops in Sukhumvit Square night entertainment area in 2003 and was sentenced to two years in jail. He started serving his jail term in January this year. Over 30,000 prisoners across the country are expected to be qualified for the royal pardon after His Majesty the King issued a royal decree on Saturday granting a pardon to minor offenders and prisoners with serious health problems. Each prison set up a panel, comprising a governor, a judge and a public prosecutor to scrutinize who are qualified for the royal pardon. Well-behaved inmates and first-time prisoners are eligible for the royal pardon while repeat offenders, rapists, and drug traffickers are not qualified. (TNA)