Media Statement

19 March 2012

South Africa’s Consular Services in Thailand

In conducting bilateral relations with accredited countries, the Embassy of the Republic of South Africa resident in Bangkok, Thailand, also renders Consular Services to South African citizens in distress, prisons, on holiday, business or working in the accredited countries.

In carrying out this function, the Embassy remains mindful of international law principles and avoids interfering in the judicial processes of other countries.

The Embassy therefore wishes to advise fellow South Africans to be law-abiding. The Embassy’s scope of involvement in the cases of South Africans abroad is limited as it can neither provide legal advisers for them nor fund their legal requirements.

In handling consular matters, the Embassy always takes into account the privacy of the person concerned and avoids disseminating adverse information to outside parties without the individual’s expressed consent.

Royal Pardon and Amnesty

Royal Pardons are granted at the discretion of the King.  There is no fixed time frame.

Amnesty is granted generally on the King’s Birthday or the Queen’s Birthday. This involves a reduction of sentence, e.g. 1/9 of the sentence, there is no fixed amnesty.

Currently no South Africans have been granted pardons; however, three prisoners have had their terms reduced as a result of the amnesty and will be returning home during the course of this year.  All other prisoners will be continuing to serve out their sentences as determined by the relevant authorities in Thailand.

Enquiries: Nelson Kgwete, 076 431 3078

Issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO)

460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria