Myanmar releases 83 Thai detainees

RANONG, THAILAND, September 18 (TNA) - Myanmar has released 83 of the 92 Thai nationals who have been detained in Kawthaung township since July. Colonel Pornsak Poolsawasdi, commander of a task force of the 25th Infantry Regiment, announced Tuesday that the Myanmar government has given a pardon to the 83 detainees who were each sentenced to three years and six months in jail for illegal entry. “The Thai detainees are set free and expected to return to Thailand Tuesday afternoon,” Colonel Pornsak said. The commander of the 25th Infantry Regiment’s task force and concerned officials were travelling to Kawthaung to receive the Thais. According to him, the other nine Thais, who are convicted of illegal drugs and weapon possession, do not receive pardon from the Myanmar government and will remain in prison in Kawthaung. (TNA)