TWO THAI’S DEATH SENTENCES COMMUTED IN MYANMAR AMNESTY

the Myanmar government granted amnesty to 35 Thais held in Myanmar jails in deference to the auspicious year when Thailand celebrates the upcoming 80th birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Two Thais who were earlier included in the amnesty instead had their death sentences commuted to 50 year terms of imprisonment as requested by Thailand’s General Boonsang. They had committed serious offences as drug dealers. The amnesty of the Thai prisoners was the result of the close cooperation between Gen. Boonsang and Myanmar's ruling junta including Senior General Than Shwe and Vice Senior General Maung Aye.