The Department of Probation is considering amending legislation to allow offenders given prison sentences of up to five years to be released on probation, up from three years, to ease overcrowding in prisons.
Department of Probation chief Kannikar Saengthong says a five-year probation period will ease overcrowding in prisons. (Bangkok Post file photo)
Department chief Kannikar Saengthong said on Tuesday the department is preparing a draft amendment to help ease prison overcrowding.
It would extend the eligibility for offenders to be given probation in lieu of jail, from prison sentences of up to three years to up to five years.
Currently, there are about 400,000 people placed on probation. They include 200,000 offenders in general cases and another 200,000 who have to undergo drug rehabilitation treatment, said Ms Kannikar.
‘’Proposed amendments of the legislation will increase the number of people put on probation, but will ease prison overcrowding and give opportunities to those who commit mistakes to turn a new leaf and return to society,’’ the department chief said.