THIS IS MY LIFE BEHIND BARS

A young South African serving a 33-year sentence in Thailand after being caught with drugs writes a moving letter about how she longs for home

- JANA MARX

SHE maintains she didn’t do anything wrong except to accept a package on behalf of a friend. And she’s determined to walk out of her Thai prison a free woman, learning the language so she can study her case files. 

Ashley Oosthuizen currently faces the prospect of being imprisoned in Thailand until she’s 57, after her original life sentence was reduced to 33 years. But she and her mom, Lynn Blignaut, are fighting for her total freedom and waiting to hear if her appeal will be approved. 

It’s been nearly two years since Ashley was jailed after being caught with ecstasy. 

Lynn moved from George in the Western Cape to the Southeast Asian nation eight months ago to be closer to her daughter. She was able to be with Ashley when she celebrated her 24th birthday recently. 

“Although she’s cheerful and positive 99,99% of the time, I know it’s extremely difficult for her not to be able to receive and give hugs and be with her loved ones,” Lynn tells YOU. 

She visits Ashley twice a week. “It’s for 15 minutes through a glass window and wire screen,” Lynn says. “She’s not allowed to have a phone or any communication device.” 

Lynn helped Ashley write a letter about her experience – here in her own words is the young woman’s account of her life behind bars.

'ONE of the first Thai words I learnt in prison was “wait”. This word is used so much there’s even a hand signal for it – two taps under the chin with the back of your hand. 

There are plenty of opportunities to wait here.