PM tells ministry to act on pardon advice

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has instructed the Justice Ministry to act on recommendations from an independent committee probing controversial efforts to reduce jail terms for those convicted in corruption cases.

Government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said the committee, which was formed on Dec 16 last year at behest of the premier, has presented its findings and recommendations to the PM.

“The prime minister ordered the Justice Ministry to act on the recommendations to make sure the granting of royal pardons on future important occasions will proceed without public concern,” he said.

Moreover, Gen Prayut also instructed the Justice Ministry to ensure that convicts who are entitled to royal pardons feel sincere regret over their wrongdoing and show an eagerness to reform themselves and reintegrate into society.

The Justice Ministry was also ordered to review the procedure to categorise prisoners and allow prosecutors and judges to take part in the assessment of inmates’ behaviour, Mr Thanakorn said.

The Justice Ministry and the Department of Corrections must present guidelines to the premier to improve the criteria for granting pardons as soon as possible, he said.