KHON KAEN: High security measures are put in place in preparation for an influx of supporters at the provincial prison to greet Jatupat Boonpattararaksa, who will be freed on Friday.
Khon Kaen police chief Pakphoum Pitsamai said on Thursday uniformed and plainclothes police will be deployed in the areas around the prison to ensure security for the family members and supporters of Jatupat, better known as Pai Dao Din.
The activist is among inmates granted a royal pardon by His Majesty on the occasion of the king's coronation. He is serving a jail term of two years and six months for lese majeste and violation of the Computer Crime Act by sharing a BBC Thai Facebook biography of the king in December 2016.
The activist will serve up the jail term on June 19 and the royal pardon offers him an early release.
"We expect a large number of his supporters, as well as the family members of Pai Dao Din, to attend the ceremony to release prisoners receiving the royal pardon," Pol Col Pakphum said. "All have to stay in the areas provided by the Corrections Department."
