Update
GEORGE NEWS - Ashley Oosthuizen, the young woman from George imprisoned in Thailand, remains in good health and is coping well under the circumstances, according to her mother, Lynn Blignaut.
Blignaut shared an update on Facebook this week, stating that she did not visit Ashley as planned, as she is still in Bangkok, but expects to return in time for their scheduled visit on Friday. Despite the distance, Blignaut received a letter from her daughter, offering reassurance about her well-being.
“Ashley is doing well overall and is healthy, which we are very grateful for,” Blignaut said.
Ashley has recently taken on additional daily responsibilities in prison, including assisting with serving lunch to officers. She has also been kept busy with translation work, helping translate between English and Mandarin.
According to her mother, Ashley is particularly grateful for the opportunity to practise her Mandarin using a computer, something she has not had the chance to do for some time.
Blignaut said her daughter found it frustrating not being able to practise writing, but viewed the translation work as a positive development.
“She gave glory to the Lord for opening this door of opportunity,” she said.
However, Ashley was recently disciplined after accidentally leaving her bag behind on Christmas Day. As punishment, she has been assigned to clean toilets for two weeks.
While the task is challenging, Blignaut said the family remains hopeful and prayerful that the time will pass quickly and that Ashley will be strengthened each day.
Blignaut also revealed that she has received documentation related to possible pardons, which she has forwarded to Ashley to review and help explain.
The documents reportedly relate to considerations being handled by authorities since October 2025.
“We are quietly hopeful that there may be some encouraging news soon,” Blignaut said.
Previous articles:
- Ashley's Thai prison sentenced reduced
- Ashley's mother starts Backabuddy campaign
- Free Ashley Oosthuizen: 5th birthday in Thai prison
- Ashely's appeal to be heard in Thai high court
- Ashley's mother settles in Thailand - 2nd appeal pending
- Ashley remains in Thai jail
- Ashley's appeal heard in Thai court
- Precious 12½ min video call with Ashley
- Prison turns mother away
- Ashley remains upbeat in jail
- Ashley out of isolation
- Leaked messages could've been 'anyone'
- Let's wear yellow for Ashley
- Free Ashley: Parents thankful for support
- Free Ashley: Parents to open Trust Fund for donations
- Free Ashley
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