Freed inmates told to show gratitude to His Majesty
Prime minister urges prisoners to stay away from drugs for sake of political stability, economic productivity
AMPA SANTIMETANEEDOL
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has asked the 5,623 prisoners freed under a royal amnesty yesterday to show their gratitude to the monarch by staying away from drugs and doing only good deeds.
Mr Thaksin presided over a specially arranged ceremony at the Din Daeng sports stadium to release the convicts, mostly drug inmates, from jails nationwide to mark His Majesty the King's 75th birthday today.
The prime minister told the inmates that it was auspicious for them to be given a taste freedom again on the birthday of His Majesty who wanted all Thais to be free of poverty and enjoy equality.
``Please turn over a new leaf and be grateful to His Majesty the King and your parents. You should join hands to create economic productivity for our land because everyone's effort is required for national development. Thus, I want all prisoners to join forces.''
The premier told the prisoners to think of the goodness of the King and their parents whenever they felt disheartened o r discouraged in life.
All people are valuable for national development, but those who indulge in drugs are worthless, he said.
``Today, some have relatives to take you home. Those who have no one must change their way of thinking. Do not despair. Look at the monarch's pictures when you need moral support.
``Do not indulge in unlawful activities or you will not have a good chance like this again because officials already have your criminal records. Everyone has both sweet and bad dreams. Let the past be your last nightmare,'' Mr Thaksin said.
Drug problems have heightened concern as they affect Thailand's economic stability, and drugs production remains high despite serious suppression efforts.
Occupational training for drug abusers will also be promoted in a bid to ease the problem.
The prisoner release was also part of the government's project to help minor offenders forced to serve time in jail because they could not afford to pay fines.
The prime minister plans to push for a cut in the fine rate for those arrested on minor charges to 70 baht from 200 baht per day.
During yesterday's prisoner release ceremony, the inmates took an oath to become decent and law-abiding citizens and sang two songs in praise of Their Majesties the King and Queen.
Each prisoner was given 200 baht and a handbook on how to be good samaritans by the government. They also received 300 baht and meals from the Po Tek Tueng Foundation.
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