Rapists, others not eligible for pardons

Pardons will be granted to mark the 70th anniversary of His Majesty the King’s accession to the throne and Her Majesty the Queen’s 84th birthday this year, but criminals jailed for many offences do not have the right to apply.
“Inmates convicted of sexual assaults are ineligible,” permanent secretary of the Justice Ministry Chanchao Chaiyanukij said Tuesday, regarding the royal decree promulgated in the Royal Gazette on Monday. The decree identifies those entitled to seek royal pardon on the two special occasions.
Chanchao said he could not specify the number of inmates who will receive royal pardons now, as the royal decree had also set many other conditions.