TV actress Amelia "Amy" Jacobs, who spent 11 months in custody awaiting trial on drug charges, has the right to seek financial compensation from a Justice Ministry fund because her time in custody exceeded her jail term.
Justice deputy permanent secretary Thawatchai Thaikyo said on Wednesday that she could submit a request for compensation to the Rights and Liberties Protection Department, which handles claims from damaged parties and wrongly accused defendants.
A committee would then decide whether she would receive compensation or not. If approved, she would be awarded the minimum wage rate applicable in the area where the offence occurred.
He comments follow reports the 29-year-old would seek compensation for her extended period on remand behind bars.
Ms Amelia, who was Miss Teen Thailand 2006 and played the lead role in the popular TV Channel 7 drama "Thida Wanorn (Monkey Daughter)", was sentenced by Min Buri Court on Tuesday to a prison term of 3 months, suspended for two years, and fined 5,000 baht for using illicit drugs.
The court sentenced her 41-year-old boyfriend Punyawat Hirantecha to 25 years, four months and 15 days in prison for possession and sale of illicit drugs.
The pair were apprehended by police at a house in Chaiyapruek housing estate on Sukhaphiban 5 Road around 12.30am on Sept 19 last year. Police seized 70 grammes of crystal methamphetamine,16 ecstasy pills, a scale and drug use paraphernalia.
The raid followed the arrest of a man identified only as Nat at the entrance of Soi Sukhonthasawat 17 in Bangkok’s Lat Phrao district. Crystal meth was found in his possession. When questioned by police he said he bought the drug from Mr Punyawat.
Mr Punyawat confessed to all charges. His girlfriend admitted to taking illicit drugs, but denied selling them.
Since her arrest, the actress has been in custody for 11 months. She was released on Tuesday.
