- 16:20Corruption remains a pervasive issue in South Africa
- 15:50Alstom to deliver 18 high-speed trains to Morocco for enhanced connectivity
- 15:20Fire contained at Casablanca’s Mohammed V Airport: No casualties reported
- 14:50Investigation into alleged embezzlement of 13 billion dirhams in red meat subsidies
- 14:20Jorge Vilda optimistic about Morocco's chances in Women’s AFCON 2025
- 13:50UK businesses free to operate in Morocco’s Sahara
- 13:20ONHYM announces over 1 billion dirhams investment in exploration
- 12:50State of emergency declared in Bangkok after Myanmar earthquake
- 12:38Putin Proposes North Korea and BRICS in Ukraine Ceasefire Talks
Follow us on Facebook
Cries for Justice Silenced: Thai Activist Dies After Harrowing Hunger Strike
In a tragic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through Thailand's activist community, Netiporn "Bung" Sanesangkhom, a 28-year-old advocate for royal reforms, has passed away in detention following a months-long hunger strike. Her untimely demise has once again thrust the nation's controversial lese-majeste laws into the spotlight, reigniting calls for reform and accountability.
According to officials, Sanesangkhom's heart "stopped suddenly" on Tuesday morning, marking a devastating end to her courageous stand against what she perceived as an unjust judicial system. The young activist, part of a youth movement seeking to reshape the monarchy's role, had been detained since January 26th, facing a staggering seven separate charges, including two counts of insulting the royal family.
Sanesangkhom's hunger strike, which began the day after her arrest, was a defiant act of protest against the very laws that had ensnared her. Initially accepting only water until late February, she eventually relented and resumed consuming food in April. However, her fragile health had already been severely compromised by her prolonged fast, leaving her weakened and suffering from anemia.
The late activist's unwavering determination stemmed from a profound belief in the need for systemic change, including reforms to Thailand's notorious lese-majeste laws, which criminalize critical commentary about the royal family. One of the charges against her arose from her efforts to gauge public opinion on the disruptions caused by royal motorcades, while another stemmed from a separate lese-majeste case in which her bail had been revoked.
Had she been found guilty, Sanesangkhom, a former tutor and the daughter of a judge, faced a staggering potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison for each charge – a draconian prospect that only fueled her resolve.
Thailand's lese-majeste laws are among the strictest in the world, with legal aid group Thai Lawyers for Human Rights reporting that around 260 charges have been filed under the law since 2020 alone. Earlier this year, a man was handed a 50-year sentence, the longest ever issued under the controversial legislation.
Sanesangkhom's plight was not an isolated one; she had previously engaged in a 64-day hunger strike in 2022, along with a fellow activist from the Thaluwang group (meaning "shattering the palace"), which ultimately led to their release from prison. This time, however, her battle for justice would end in tragedy.
As news of her passing spread, Thai MP Rukchanok Srinork from the reformist Move Forward Party, herself facing a six-year sentence on appeal for convictions including lese-majeste, paid tribute to Sanesangkhom while highlighting the ongoing struggles of other detained activists. "How many times will the courts allow deaths like these to happen until they're satisfied?" she poignantly asked on social media.
Sanesangkhom's death has reignited urgent calls for introspection and reform within Thailand's judicial system, casting a harsh light on the human cost of the nation's unwavering adherence to its lese-majeste laws. As the activist community mourns the loss of one of its own, her legacy will undoubtedly inspire renewed efforts to bring about the change she so bravely fought for, ensuring that her cries for justice will not be silenced.
Comments (0)