Thailand’s justice minister has ordered a review of pardon criteria following public backlash over the release of an 85-year-old former drug trafficker who served less than 10 years of a life sentence.
Laota Saenlee was arrested in 2016 for selling crystal meth in the Golden Triangle region and was convicted the following year.
Thailand’s Corrections Department said he was released last Friday from a maximum-security prison after a series of royal pardons reduced his life sentence. His age and good behaviour were also cited as reasons for his release.
The decision sparked widespread criticism, with a former narcotics police chief expressing shock over the early release.
Justice Minister Rutthapon Naowarat said officials had followed the existing criteria, but admitted there were flaws that needed to be reviewed.
Laota will be monitored by local authorities following his release.
