17-5-2024 (BANGKOK) The tragic death of political activist Netiporn “Boong” Sanesangkhom has sent shockwaves across Thailand, reigniting calls for reform within the country’s justice system and drawing attention to the plight of detained activists. The 28-year-old activist, a prominent figure in the youth-led protests calling for monarchy reform, passed away on Tuesday after suffering a cardiac arrest while in custody.
In the wake of this devastating loss, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed his deep sorrow and vowed to ensure transparency and justice in the investigation. “I have extended my condolences to the family of Netiporn and ordered the Justice Ministry to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding her death,” Srettha stated solemnly.
Netiporn’s passing has raised crucial questions about the treatment of detainees within the Department of Corrections (DoC), particularly when compared to the privileged treatment afforded to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra during his recent incarceration. The stark contrast has fueled allegations of double standards and inequality within the justice system.
“Had Boong received similar care and treatment as Thaksin, she would have lived,” lamented former red-shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan, highlighting the discrepancy between the handling of the two cases. Thaksin, a billionaire ex-premier, spent a mere six months in a VIP ward at the Police General Hospital after his conviction, never spending a single night behind bars.
The activists’ plight has gained further attention with the ongoing hunger strike by fellow activists Tantawan “Tawan” Tuatulanon and Natthanon “Frank” Chaimahabud, who are protesting for bail rights and the release of political detainees. Tantawan, who was in the same prison hospital ward as Netiporn, has been transferred to Thammasat University Hospital for treatment following the traumatic events.
Netiporn, a leader of the Thalu Wang protest group, is the first activist to die in custody since the outbreak of the youth-led protests in 2020, which called for reforms to the powerful monarchy. Her death has sparked outrage and renewed calls for justice reform, with organizations like Amnesty International calling it a “wake-up call” for Thai authorities to examine their policies towards pro-democracy activists.
“This is a shocking reminder that Thai authorities are harshly denying pro-democracy activists their freedom in an apparent bid to silence the peaceful expression of dissent,” said Piyanut Kotsan, director of Amnesty International Thailand. “Many are currently detained, with their right to temporary release on bail denied.”
As the nation mourns the loss of Netiporn, her lawyers and human rights groups have raised questions about the adequacy of her care while in detention and the capabilities of the Central Correctional Hospital. The Department of Corrections has defended its handling of the case, stating that Netiporn was closely monitored and cared for by medical staff.
However, the glaring disparities in treatment between activists and those with power and wealth have fueled public outrage and calls for a comprehensive overhaul of the justice system. Netiporn’s death has become a rallying cry for those seeking equality, transparency, and accountability within the Thai judicial system.
