Chonsawat’s early release from prison denied as judicial reviews toughen
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Authorities have denied jailed local politician Chonsawat Asavahame’s request for a suspended jail term, depriving him of the chance to leave prison before his term expires.
On August 4 last year, Chonsawat was sentenced to one-and-a-half years in jail for electoral fraud.
The former chief of the Samut Prakan Provincial Administrative Organisation recently petitioned for a reduction of his term citing his good behaviour and that he has already served at least two-thirds of his term.
If his jail term had been suspended, he could have been freed.
Samut Prakan prison warden Wuttichai Jenwiriyakul said Monday he had written to the Corrections Department to postpone Chonsawat’s release.
“By the regulations, he has the right to apply for a penalty reduction. But after reviewing his case, I find it inappropriate to release him now,” Wuttichai said.
He spoke after Justice Minister General Paiboon Koomchaya expressed concerns about reports that Chonsawat was on a list of prisoners who could eligible for early release.
