National—
On May 16th, 2024, a group of Thai political activists submitted a letter to an ad hoc committee at the Thai parliament for consideration to provide amnesty to all people who were charged with political crimes under Section 112 or Lese Majeste.
The political activists read a statement requesting relevant agencies to investigate the death of Ms. Netiporn “Bung” Sanesangkhom with full transparency and clarity.
Furthermore, those who were currently in the legal process should have the right to bail and there should be a delay on the prosecution of people on political detention until the amnesty law is passed, according to Thai national media.
Meanwhile, Mr. Kritsadang Nutcharat, a lawyer from the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights group, raised questions to the Thai correction department. Although the autopsy for Bung was performed by Thammasat Hospital and samples including tissues, blood, and other components needed for laboratory processing were in place, the results were still not publicly revealed regarding the cause of Bung’s death, said Kritsadang.
The lawyer representing Bung further added that he requested her full medical records while admitted at the Department of Corrections Hospital for the past five days on her condition, medical treatment procedures, and wanted to view full CCTV footage in her room.
However, the pending report was still not received, and the causes of the death of Bung was therefore in doubt, remarked Kritsadang.
Thammasat Hospital gave initial information in a letter stating that Bung had acute heart failure, electrolyte imbalance, and an enlarged heart. However, lab results were needed to determine whether there was foul play or negligence, stated Kritsadang.
Meanwhile, some Thai politicians and polticial parties like Ruam Thai Sang Chart and Bhumjaithai have reportedly supported the idea of amnesty for some political prisoners on certain charges but not those facing Lese Majeste charges.
They have also claimed that mystery outside agitators, without specifically naming them, have pushed and coerced the activists to protest and speak out, ultimately with them taking the heat by proxy.
This article originally appeared on our sister website The Pattaya News.
