Lao Ta Sanli, aged 86, known as the "Drug King," was released from prison after receiving a royal pardon.
On 15 August 2026, reporters reported that the Facebook page of Bang Kwang Central Prison, used for publicizing prison activities, shared photos of the event "Controlled with Heart, Corrected by Principles, Leading to Society" held on 14 August. Ms. Atchara Sricham, Nonthaburi Provincial Prosecutor, honored the event as chairperson of the ceremony releasing inmates granted royal pardons under the 2026 Royal Pardon Decree, commemorating the 4th cycle birthday anniversary of Her Majesty the Queen on 3 June 2026, at Division 14 Control Unit.
On this occasion, inmates who completed training received certificates before the royal portrait under the royal project "Khon Nong Na of Kindness and Hope, Department of Corrections," Class 8/3. This initiative, inspired by the royal initiative, focuses on rehabilitation, vocational skills development, and new theory agriculture for self-reliance, enabling inmates to apply knowledge sustainably in their livelihoods after release.
Receiving the royal pardon marks an important opportunity to start anew. Bang Kwang Central Prison arranged staff to advise on adjustment and life skills so that released inmates can reintegrate smoothly into society, commit to honest work, and continue to be good citizens.
Among those pardoned and released was Mr. Lao Ta Sanli, aged 86, imprisoned for drug and firearms offenses. He was charged with conspiring and jointly distributing methamphetamine (Category 1 narcotics) without permission, as well as violations under the Firearms and Ammunition Act. Arrested on 11 October 2016, he was sentenced to life imprisonment but received six royal pardons before this final release, totaling nearly 10 years in custody.
Lao Ta Sanli was a convicted felon sentenced to life imprisonment by the Criminal Court starting 11 October 2016. Due to his current age of 85, placing him among elderly inmates over 70, and his chronic illnesses, after nearly 10 years in prison he met the criteria for a royal pardon as a senior inmate with chronic conditions.
He had previously been granted six pardons, reducing his remaining sentence. The latest royal pardon allowed his release. On 14 August, his family came to take him home from Bang Kwang Central Prison.
The royal pardon was granted according to the criteria and conditions set out in the 2026 Royal Pardon Decree, a royal prerogative extended to inmates who have made mistakes but reformed their behavior to reintegrate into normal society.