The Department of Corrections explained the case of "Pong-Thong," a former inmate involved in a five-person burial murder, confirming that all steps under the Repeat Offense Prevention Act (JSOC) were fully completed before release.
At 20:20 on 1 August 2026, the Department of Corrections issued a statement via its LINE system addressing media and public concerns about the corrections system and the release of serious offenders back into society, which has affected public safety feelings and the tourism image in Chonburi province.
The Department of Corrections expressed deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones in this shocking incident and stated that both former inmates were strictly detained according to court rulings and served their full sentences after final judgment.
Mr. Thana, also known as Pong Koetthong, was transferred from Pattaya Special Prison to Rayong Central Prison on 22 February 2021 for charges including attempted murder, firearm offenses, and drug-related crimes, sentenced to 7 years, 7 months, and 25 days imprisonment, and was released on 5 June 2026. During his imprisonment, he received no special privileges such as royal pardons, sentence suspensions, or reductions—he was released upon completing the court-ordered sentence.
Before completion of his sentence, the Department of Corrections conducted a risk assessment following legal procedures. The prison committee, including the prison commander, representatives from the provincial probation office, provincial police, local administrative officers, and health or hospital officials, jointly recommended applying post-release surveillance measures (JSOC) under Section 22 of the Repeat Offense Prevention Act on sexual or violent offenses, to the committee responsible for proposing preventive measures under Section 16. This was submitted to the provincial prosecutor to petition the court. On 13 January 2026, the Rayong Provincial Court held a hearing and ordered a 2-year post-release surveillance period, including bans on risky activities, reporting to probation officers every 3 months, and participation in rehabilitation programs as directed by probation officers. The released individual then transferred to report to the Chonburi Provincial Probation Office, residing with a guardian in Huay Yai Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi.
Meanwhile, Mr. Thongchai Srinil, a convicted methamphetamine user, was detained and released normally from Pattaya Special Prison on 3 September 2025, and is not subject to the Repeat Offense Prevention Act (JSOC).
The Department of Corrections affirmed it has neither neglected nor ceased its role in preventing repeat offenses but has fully exercised its legal authority, from incarceration through pre-release. This includes inmate classification, risk assessments, court petitions for post-release surveillance, and forwarding information to relevant agencies for monitoring and supervising released individuals according to court conditions. The department is also ready to share detailed behavioral information with relevant agencies to support decisive prosecutions and jointly close gaps to maximize public safety of life and property.
