Scheme to aid newly released convicts if they are eligible

Out of the 12,000 inmates eligible to be released or have sentences reduced, the Royal pardon decree 2016 enables the immediate release of 7,780 convicts who are disabled, elderly or have less than a year to serve behind bars, the permanent secretary for justice Chanchao Chaiyanukit said yesterday. Another 5,000 eligible inmates will get their sentences reduced, he added.
The new scheme will be put before the Cabinet soon, he said. It is a collaboration of the Justice, Social Development and Human Security, Interior and Labour ministries.