A political activist held in Bangkok’s detention centre has died of cardiac arrest after going on a prolonged hunger strike to protest against her imprisonment in the detention centre.
Netiporn ‘Bang’ Sanesangkhom, 28, who was being investigated on charges of defaming the monarchy, died of cardiac arrest at Bangkok’s Central Women’s Correctional Facility. Khaosod reported that the woman had gone on a hunger strike to protest the cancellation of her bail in January.
Thailand’s prime minister offered condolences to the family of a young activist who died in custody after a months-long hunger strike amid a public debate about the country’s justice system.
The woman’s death has sparked calls for a review of the judicial process, which allows people accused of politically motivated, non-violent offences to be detained for long periods before trial.
Prime Minister Settha Thavisin told reporters that Netiporn’s death was a loss no one wanted and ordered the Justice Ministry to investigate.
A spokesman for the Department of Corrections told a news conference that the woman was healthy, although Netiporn looked fatigued after a prolonged hunger strike. There was no indication that the inmate could develop such critical conditions. Department officials did everything possible to try to save the woman’s life.
Also, a department spokesman said the activist had already resumed eating but refused to take other supplements to help her body better absorb nutrients after such a prolonged fast. Representatives declined to speculate on a possible cause of death until autopsy results are released.
Netiporn’s lawyer, Kritsadang Nutcharat, said the autopsy was conducted Wednesday morning, and the first results are expected Thursday. However, Kritsadang told reporters he did not believe the Department of Corrections’ version of events.
‘She died in your arms. If she were healthy, she wouldn’t have died,’ the lawyer said, adding that the public should focus on the fact that Netiporn died in custody, not whether she ate.
Netiporn was a member of the activist group Thaluwang, which translates to ‘break through the palace’. Thaluwang members are known for aggressive campaigns demanding reform of the monarchy and the repeal of a law that makes it illegal to defame royal family members.
Until recent years, criticising the monarchy was illegal in Thailand. Insulting or defaming key members of the royal family is punishable by up to 15 years in prison under a law commonly referred to as Article 112 of the Thai Penal Code.
However, student-led pro-democracy protests began challenging this taboo in 2020, openly criticising the monarchy. That has led to vigorous prosecutions of the previously little-used law. Critics say the law is often used to stifle political dissent.
After those protests, Netiporn was one of more than 270 activists, many university students charged under the royal defamation law. Supporters of the activists say authorities have violated their rights by holding them in prolonged pre-trial detention and denying them bail.
Netiporn was detained in May 2022 and released on bail in August 2022 after a previous hunger strike. In January, Netiporn was arrested again for violating her bail conditions because the woman had attended a political rally in 2023.
Netiporn was charged with several charges related to political activity, including two counts of defamation of the monarchy. According to the group Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, both charges related to conducting polls in public places in 2022 to find out people’s opinions on the royal family.
Thai Lawyers for Human Rights said they had requested bail for 27 political prisoners 45 times between January and April. The report said none of those requests were granted.
Another activist accused of breaking the rule of law and repeatedly detained, Panusaya ‘Rung’ Sittthijiravattanakul, expressed frustration with the Seththi government, which took office in August after elections that ended nearly a decade of military rule.
‘Before the elections, they said that after becoming the government, they would ask the court to release political prisoners and amend Article 112. None of that happened,’ Panusaiah said during a candlelight vigil in honour of Netiporn.
Asked about the growing calls for the release of young political prisoners, Prime Minister Settha said, ‘I think the Minister of Justice has heard the calls. The matter is under consideration, and discussions will be held regarding all processes of justice. Everyone should be treated fairly.’
The UN human rights office in Southeast Asia said in a post on social media X that it was ‘deeply concerned’ about Netiporn’s death and called for a transparent investigation. The UN office also emphasised that freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are fundamental rights.
Lawyer Kritsadang also urged the prime minister to take serious steps to address problems in the justice system ahead of an official visit to France and Italy this week, noting that the government is seeking a seat on the UN Human Rights Council for the 2025-2027 term.
A funeral service for Netiporn will be held at a Buddhist temple in Bangkok from Thursday to Sunday, the Thaluwang group said.
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