Ashley Oosthuizen's sentence reduced again under 2026 Royal Pardon

Update

GEORGE NEWS - George-born Ashley Oosthuizen, who is serving a prison sentence in Thailand after being convicted on drug-related charges, has received a further reduction in her sentence following the latest Royal Pardon announced earlier this month.

The 27-year-old has been in custody in Thailand since October 2020 after she was arrested at the restaurant where she worked when she signed for a parcel that contained drugs.

The package was reportedly addressed to another person and Oosthuizen has maintained she did not know its contents.

Thai authorities initially convicted her on charges linked to international drug trafficking.

In 2025 her case was reviewed and her conviction was reduced to possession of drugs, with her sentence subsequently lowered from 33 years to 13 years and four months.

The latest Royal Pardon, announced on 3 June in celebration of the Thai Queen’s birthday, has resulted in a further reduction of her sentence. The pardon forms part of a wider national initiative benefiting thousands of inmates across Thailand.

The new reduction means Oosthuizen’s sentence has again been shortened, although exact calculations of her remaining time will depend on the application of the pardon and previous credits already granted.

The Royal Pardon is granted to selected prisoners who meet strict criteria including good conduct and time served. Authorities have indicated that tens of thousands of inmates are expected to benefit either through reduced sentences or early release.

Ashley was arrested on 8 October 2020. By 3 June she had served approximately five years, seven months and 26 days.

Following the Supreme Court’s final ruling on 27 March 2025, her sentence was set at 13 years and four months. That sentence has since been reduced through two royal pardons.

Under the 2025 Royal Pardon, her sentence was reduced to 11 years and six months. The newly announced 2026 Royal Pardon has now reduced it further to 9 years and 11 months.

Taking time already served into account, Ashley’s remaining sentence now stands at approximately four years, three months and four days.

Her case has moved through several stages of sentencing since her arrest, including an initial sentence of 100 years, followed by 33 years and four months on appeal and later 13 years and four months at Supreme Court level.

Despite the lengthy process and continued uncertainty, her mother, Lynn Blignaut, says each reduction represents meaningful progress.

“We are thankful for every reduction and every small step forward,” she said.

“It has been a long and painful journey but we continue to trust that things are moving in the right direction for Ashley. We are grateful for the support and prayers we have received.”

There remains a possibility that Ashley may be considered for parole in future, although no decision has been made and any outcome will depend on the relevant Thai authorities.

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