Thalu Wang activists gather at Govt House in wake of Netiporn’s death
Thalu Wang activists gathered outside Government House on Tuesday to demand judicial reforms following the death of Netiporn “Bung” Sanesangkhom, a member of the group who died from cardiac arrest while being held in pretrial detention.
No more than 20 activists were at Government House’s Chamai Maru Chet bridge entrance, where ministers had just finished their weekly Cabinet meeting.
Netiporn's personal lawyer, Kritsadang Nutcharat, claimed on Saturday that the Department of Corrections Hospital treated Netiporn irresponsibly by placing an endotracheal tube in her oesophagus rather than her windpipe.
As a result, Netiporn did not receive appropriate medical care which led to her death, he said.
Two activists, known by their nicknames "Gab" and "Beauty”, carried posters featuring messages reading “reform the judicial system” and a photo of Netiporn, who died on May 14 after 110 days in prison.
Netiporn stopped eating in January in protest of her prosecution under Article 112 of the Penal Code. She was denied bail for her two lese majeste charges after conducting a poll asking people their opinion of the royal motorcade in March last year.
The Thalu Wang group said they came to Government House to urge the Pheu Thai-led administration to fulfil Netiporn’s demands, which included ending Thailand's bid for a seat on the UN Human Rights Council, freeing political prisoners, and reforming the justice system.
“Article 112 has always been a problem. How many people have been killed by 112?” Gab said.
The group chanted “Abolish 112!”
Police officers equipped with shields were deployed to prevent the demonstrators from getting too close to Government House.
Within 15 minutes the activists decided to leave. There were no clashes with the police.
No government officials showed up to meet the group.
After leaving Government House, the group went to the Public Sector Development Commission Office to meet with Somkid Chueakong, deputy secretary general to the prime minister, and express their demands.
