First lot of prisoners in Thailand released

BANGKOK, December 8 (TNA) - More than 2,700 prisoners in Thailand were released on Thursday after receiving royal clemency on the occasion of His Majesty the King’s 84th birthday. The first lot of 2,766 prisoners were given the royal clemency and released from Lat Yao Prison amid a Buddhist religious ceremony, organised by the Corrections Department, presided over by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. Relatives and friends of the released prisoners arrived at the prison before dawn to welcome them. Many of them travelled from upcountry Wednesday night to pick up prisoners who were set free. Released prisoners pledged to follow His Majesty the King’s self-sufficiency economy philosophy upon their release. Each of them also received 500 baht for travelling expenses to their home. About 12,000 prisoners have received the royal clemency and will be released. The rest of prisoners will be released on a gradual basis. Another group of prisoners will be released on December 18 on royal clemency to celebrate His Majesty the King’s birthday which fell on Monday. (TNA)