In a major development in the case of 26-year-old South African Ashley Oosthuizen, who has been imprisoned in Thailand since 2020, Thai authorities have significantly reduced her sentence from 33.4 years to 13.4 years.
The reduction follows a reclassification of her charges from international drug trafficking to possession, offering a renewed sense of hope for her release.
The update was shared by Ashley’s mother, Lynn Blignaut, in a live video from Thailand, where she has been living since 2022 to support her daughter through the ordeal.
Ashley, originally from George in the Western Cape, was arrested in October 2020 after unknowingly signing for a parcel at her workplace that contained illegal substances.
Despite her protests of innocence, Thai authorities held her accountable, resulting in a harsh sentence.
Possible royal pardon on the horizon
With approximately 8.7 years remaining on her reduced sentence, there is now cautious optimism that Ashley may be granted a royal pardon.
According to her mother, the official documents needed to support the application are nearly complete, and a decision could come as soon as July 2025.
Ex-boyfriend’s confession raises questions
Further complicating the case, Ashley’s former boyfriend, Tristan Nettles, allegedly confessed on social media to operating a drug ring and claimed that Ashley was unaware of his activities.
His admission casts fresh doubt over the legitimacy of her conviction and has added fuel to the growing calls for her release.
A story of hope and heartbreak
Ashley had moved to Thailand in 2018 to pursue her dream of teaching English and was quickly embraced by her community.
Described by loved ones as “bright, caring, and adventurous,” her imprisonment has been a source of profound pain for her family and supporters.
Through unwavering advocacy and emotional strength, Lynn Blignaut has kept Ashley’s story in the public eye and has vowed to continue the fight until her daughter is free.
How wary are you when travelling that someone may have slipped something into your luggage?
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