Foreign Prisoner Support Services have received confirmation from the organization 'Prisonlife' that his Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej King of Thailand has granted Amnesty to Pedro Ruyzing and George O. The two dutch prisoners were jailed for more than ten years in Bangkok's notorious Bang Kwang Central Prison when arrested for drug smuggling in Thailand.

The Amnesty coincided with the visit of Queen Beatrix of Holland that was planned in celebration of the 400 year friendship between the two countries.

Naturally the Amnesty came as a complete surprise for the two prisoners and their families who expect to be reunited in the coming days ahead. It is hoped that the prisoners will not make a mockery of His Majesty's generosity in granting the Amnesty and that they will instead, encourage others to cease in drug smuggling and lead more productive lives for the benefit of theirs and the International community. There are 16 Dutch nationals in Thai jails, most of them on drug charges, Foreign Ministry spokes-man Sihasak Phuangketkeow said.

Other news; a treaty will soon be effected to enable other Dutch prisoners to transfer to their homeland for the duration of their sentence.

Foreign Prisoner Support Services would like to thank 'Prisonlife' for their valued contribution and support in assisting us in bringing this news to the attention of our members.

Prisonlife - Email: info@prisonlife.nl - Web: www.prisonlife.nl