BANGKOK: Convicted drug trafficker Lao Ta Saenlee, 86, has been released from Bang Kwang Central Prison after receiving a royal pardon.
The prison’s Facebook page published photographs on Saturday (Aug 15) from a release ceremony held a day earlier under the slogan “Supervision with compassion, rehabilitation through moral principles, moving forward into society”.
Achara Sricham, Nonthaburi provincial public prosecutor, presided over the ceremony in Control Zone 14 for inmates eligible for release under the Royal Pardon Decree BE 2569 (2026). The decree was issued to mark the auspicious occasion of Her Majesty the Queen’s 48th birthday on June 3, 2026.
At the same ceremony, inmates who had completed the eighth intake’s third training group received certificates before the royal portrait under the royal initiative programme “Khok Nong Na of Kindness and Hope, Department of Corrections”.
The programme focuses on rehabilitation, vocational development and self-reliant New Theory agriculture, enabling inmates to use their knowledge to find work and build sustainable lives after their release.
Lao Ta had been imprisoned for drug trafficking and firearms offences. The charges involved conspiracy and the joint sale of crystal methamphetamine, classified as a Category 1 narcotic, without authorisation, as well as offences under firearms and ammunition legislation.
He was formerly a village headman in Tha Ton subdistrict of Mae Ai district, Chiang Mai, and was known as a former associate of Khun Sa, an influential figure in the Golden Triangle.
The case arose from a major narcotics suppression operation on Oct 11, 2016. After arranging a controlled purchase, officers arrested Lao Ta and members of his network at his petrol station in Mae Ai district.
Authorities seized approximately 20 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and assets linked to the case valued at more than 1 billion baht.
His release was carried out in accordance with the criteria and conditions prescribed by the Royal Pardon Decree BE 2569. - The Nation/ANN
