Ashley Oosthuizen's royal pardon brings hope in Thailand drug case
Ashley Oosthuizen, from George, is imprisoned in Thailand.
Image: File
The Western Cape’s Ashley Oosthuizen, who is imprisoned in Thailand after she was found guilty of drug smuggling, then changed to possession, is one of 81 000 inmates who will receive the royal clemency on the King’s birthday, with 12 739 prisoners to be released, and thousands more to have their sentences reduced.
Oosthuizen’s mother, Lynn Blignaut, confirmed Oosthuizen would have one year removed for every seven-year sentence.
She is currently facing 13.4 years behind bars after the term was reduced from 20 years earlier this year during an appeal.
According to news publication, Nation Thailand, Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong confirmed the pardon will benefit over 80 000 prisoners.
Blignaut said it was the beginning of positive news for her daughter who will have her sentence reduced.
“We find grace and we are grateful for God’s grace,” she said.
“I received the news (yesterday) morning when I visited her.
“So the pardon was set on one year off for every seven years of a prisoner's sentence.
“As always, we both obviously hoped for more, knowing they won’t just let her go, so this helps a little bit.
“We keep our focus on Jesus Christ, our only Hope.
“Ashley is content.
“I’ll find out more in the next few days probably if there are a couple of months off as well.”
Lynn Blignaut hugs her daughter, Ashley Oosthuizen, for the first time in years while being imprisoned in Thailand.
Image: Supplied
Blignaut told the Cape Argus they were praying that she may be selected for electronic monitoring at a later stage following her pardon period.
“I’ll also go to Samui this weekend to go and find out about transferring her back to Khoi Samui Prison where she was imprisoned after her arrest and she was there for about a year.
“This will mean I can get to see her every day with visits."
When asked what their plans were once she was released, Blignaut said they first wanted to heal and restore and have a real holiday.
“Ashley also wants to start writing her book asap."
Oosthuizen was found guilty of drug related charges after her arrest in 2020, when she allegedly accepted a package containing MDMA while working at a restaurant.
Her sentence was reduced earlier this year from 33.4 years to 13.4 years.
She has already served 4.7 years.
Blignaut bravely sold her business linked to caregiving placement and medical disability aid supplies and her belongings and moved to Thailand.
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