More than 4,200 inmates serving sentences for cannabis offences were initially eligible for release from prisons nationwide on Thursday, when the delisting of cannabis as a narcotic drug took effect.

However, those also convicted and sentenced for other offences were not being freed.

Corrections Department deputy director-general Thawatchai Chaiwat said assistance was being provided to inmates in cannabis cases, regarding their release or changes to their penalty.

Lists of inmates who were already surveyed had been sent to the various courts, for their release.

A total of 3,071 prisoners serving jail terms in single cannabis offences woud be released from prisons nationwide on Thursday, Mr Thawatchai said.

Read more at Bangkok Post