Ashley Oosthuizen, the South African woman imprisoned in Thailand, is reportedly doing well under challenging circumstances, according to her mother, Lynn Blignaut.
The update comes as family and supporters anxiously await her eventual release.
Blignaut shared the news on social media this week, explaining that she had been unable to visit Ashley as planned because she is still in Bangkok.
She hopes to return in time for their scheduled visit on Friday.
Letters Bring Reassurance
Despite the delay in visiting, Blignaut received a letter from Ashley, which reassured her about her daughter’s overall condition.
“Ashley is doing well overall and is healthy, which we are very grateful for,” Blignaut wrote.
According to her mother, Ashley has taken on additional responsibilities in prison, including helping serve lunch to prison officers and assisting with translation work between English and Mandarin.
A Chance to Practice Mandarin
Blignaut says Ashley is especially grateful for the chance to practise her Mandarin using a computer — an opportunity she had not had for some time.
While she misses being able to practise her writing, her translation duties are seen as a positive development.
“She gave glory to the Lord for opening this door of opportunity,” Blignaut added.
Recent Disciplinary Action
Ashley was recently disciplined after accidentally leaving her bag behind on Christmas Day.
As a result, she has been assigned to clean toilets for a two-week period.
In addition, Blignaut has received documentation regarding potential pardons, which she has forwarded to Ashley for review.
The documents relate to processes under consideration by authorities since October 2025.
“We are quietly hopeful that there may be some encouraging news soon,” Blignaut said.
The Circumstances Behind the Case
Ashley was arrested in October 2020 after unknowingly signing for a parcel at her workplace that contained illegal substances.
Despite her claims of innocence, Thai authorities held her accountable.
In early 2025, her sentence was reduced from 33.4 years to 13.4 years, following a reclassification of her charges from international drug trafficking to possession.
Further complicating the case, Ashley’s former boyfriend, Tristan Nettles, allegedly confessed on social media to operating a drug ring, stating that Ashley was unaware of his activities.
Life in Thailand Before and During Prison
Ashley moved to Thailand in 2018 to pursue her dream of teaching English.
Since 2022, her mother Lynn has been living in Thailand to support her through this ordeal, maintaining a close presence despite the challenges of the situation.
Family and Community Support
Blignaut continues to update friends and supporters on Ashley’s condition, emphasizing that her daughter is coping well, remaining healthy, and finding ways to stay productive within the prison environment.
The case has drawn attention both in South Africa and internationally, as people follow Ashley’s journey and hope for a resolution to her situation.
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