Construction tycoon Premchai Karnasuta has been released from prison due to a medical condition – diabetes, which is difficult to control. However, he will still be under probationary conditions, the Department of Corrections has announced.
A meeting of the Clemency Committee took place on October 17 to deliberate on the reduction of sentences for 567 inmates, with 484 approvals and 83 denials. Notably, 113 inmates will be released on October 17 including one high-profile individual, Mr. Premchai, jailed for poaching in the Thungyai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary. He was serving his sentence at Thong Pha Phum District Prison for various offenses related to the Wildlife Conservation Act, National Park Act, Environmental Conservation and Preservation Act, as well as the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
The committee approved Premchai’s release under probationary conditions, which will commence on October 14. He will complete his sentence on December 7, 2566. This decision was influenced by his health issues, primarily related to his ankles, which suffered necrosis due to complications from diabetes. Using electronic tracking devices (EM) was ruled out due to the risk of exacerbating his condition.
While Premchai is granted release on medical grounds, he will still be subject to probationary conditions until the full term of his sentence is served.
Premchai has been serving his term of two years and 14 months at the Thong Pha Phum prison for charges related to his hunting in the Thungyai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary. President of Italian-Thai Development pcl and his aides were arrested at an unauthorized camp in the Wildlife Sanctuary in Kanchanaburi in February 2018. Park rangers found carcasses of wildlife such as black leopard and pheasant. The tycoon is also prosecuted for attempting to bribe state officials. (TNA)
