Irishman may be freed from Thai jail

FRIENDS of a man locked up in a Thai jail for a murder he says he did not commit are waiting anxiously for confirmation of reports he is about to be freed.

Colin Martin, 43, is expected to be among thousands of prison inmates to be released on Thursday week as part of special birthday celebrations for the head of the Thai monarchy, Queen Sirikit.

Thailand-based Tipperary businessman John Kealy, who has supported Martin financially since his case became public, said last night he had received unofficial notification of his impending release.