BANGKOK (The Straits Times/Asia News Network): A 67-year-old political activist died of a heart attack in front of the Criminal Court in Bangkok on Sunday (Jan 29) as he campaigned for the release of political prisoners.
Protests at the Criminal Court were sparked when Tantawan “Tawan” Tuatulanon, 20, and Orawan “Bam” Phuphong, 23, began a hunger strike on Jan 16 to demand the release of all political prisoners and the end of lese majeste and sedition laws.
The young activists were charged with defaming the royal family after they conducted a public opinion poll on royal motorcades. They revoked their own bail on Jan 16 and began a “dry” hunger strike, refusing both food and water.
Their conditions deteriorated on Jan 20 and they were sent to the Department of Corrections Hospital.
Hundreds of activists gathered at the Court on Sunday to demand the bail release of detainees currently awaiting trial on royal defamation and other charges related to anti-government protests. Thai Lawyers for Human Rights says that at least 1,888 individuals have been prosecuted over their participation in political protests since 2020.
The protest at the Criminal Court is set to continue on Monday.
