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The death of a 28-year-old Thai activist in police custody earlier this month has reignited calls for reforms in Thailand’s justice system.
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Netiporn “Bung” Sanesangkhom, a member of the pro-democracy group Thalu Wang, went on hunger strike to protest her detention and demand judicial reform.
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Thai authorities said Sanesangkhom died on May 14 after suffering cardiac arrest while in custody on charges of lèse majesté (insult to the monarchy).
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Advocates have called for the release of all individuals facing unjust detention and for authorities to drop charges against them.
The details:
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Thailand’s lese majeste law, which bans any criticism of the monarchy, carries harsh penalties and has been increasingly enforced since the 2014 military coup. Although the government claims it is necessary to protect the monarchy, the law has sparked criticism for its harshness and stifling of freedom of expression.
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Sanesangkhom, who joined Franti-ro-democracy protests challenging the power of the monarchy since 2020, was arrested on January 26. She faced seven criminal cases, including a lese majeste case filed against her for holding up a banner questioning the inconvenience caused by a royal procession at a Bangkok mall in 2022. Another lese majeste charge stems in a similar protest. where she questioned the king’s unlimited use of power.
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While awaiting trial, she began a 65-day hunger strike to protest the detention of her and other dissidents. Despite declining health, Sanesangkhom’s bail applications were rejected. Thailand’s Corrections Department said her death was caused by “sudden cardiac arrest.” An autopsy is being conducted to determine the exact cause of death.
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While in prison, Sanesangkhom wrote an open letter saying she was aware of the injustices in the country growing up as the daughter of a judge.
“You don’t have to be a judge’s daughter to understand the magnitude of the justice system’s failure. Their existence is not for the people, they exist shamelessly for the powers that be and a few groups of people in this country. Simply asking questions and honking will put you in jail.”
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Sanesangkhom’s death has sparked outrage and renewed calls for judicial reform and the release of political prisoners. In a statement, Amnesty International accused Thai authorities of wrongfully detaining activists and suppressing peaceful dissent.
“This is a shocking reminder that Thai authorities are harshly denying freedom to pro-democracy activists in an apparent attempt to silence the peaceful expression of dissent. Many are currently in detention and denied their right to temporary release on bail. This tragic incident should serve as a wake-up call for the Thai authorities to drop and release charges against all human rights defenders and other people wrongfully detained.”
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Trending on NextShark: Thai activist’s death in custody reignites calls for judicial reform in Thailand
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