Govt cops flak over death
PM orders probe into Boong’s fate
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday expressed his deep sorrow for the death of political activist Netiporn “Boong” Saneysangkhom, known as Boong Thalu Wang, and vowed to ensure transparency and justice.
Speaking after being briefed on Netiporn’s death by the Justice Ministry, Mr Srettha extended his condolences to the family of the 28-year-old activist and said he ordered the Justice Ministry to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death.
Netiporn’s death has raised questions about the Department of Corrections (DoC) treatment of detainees in comparison with that of paroled former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
It has reignited calls for justice reform and drawn attention to two other political activists, Tantawan “Tawan” Tuatulanon and Natthanon “Frank” Chaimahabud, who have staged a hunger strike for the same cause.
According to the Doc, Netiporn suffered a heart attack at the Central Correctional Hospital just after 6am on Tuesday. Despite resuscitation attempts and emergency care at Thammasat University Hospital, she was pronounced dead at 11.22am.
Netiporn, who went on a hunger strike to protest against the detention of political activists during detention, had initially started eating and drinking normally.
But she was suffering from weakness and slightly swollen legs due to pre-existing conditions of anaemia and vitamin and mineral deficiencies, which worsened with her hunger strike. She continued to refuse to take supplements and medication to treat these conditions.
Asked about a growing call for the release of the other young activists, Mr Srettha said Justice Minister Pol Col Tawee Sodsong has heard the demand and is expected to discuss it with agencies in the justice system.
Former red-shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan yesterday blamed the activist’s death on double standards as he pointed out the discrepancy in the DoC’s treatment of Netiporn and Thaksin.
The young activist was resolute in her hunger protest and should have been placed under close supervision, he said, noting her case was in stark
‘‘ The young activist should have been placed under close supervision.
JATUPORN PROMPAN
FORMER RED-SHIRT LEADER
contrast to Thaksin. Mr Jatuporn said the department was quick to use its judgment to transfer the former prime minister to the Police General Hospital on the first night of his detention.
He said the Pheu Thai Party also highlighted suspects’ rights to be granted bail during the election campaign but failed to take action after assuming power. “Had Boong received similar care and treatment the way Thaksin did, she would have lived,” he said.
The Srettha administration should be held responsible for Netiporn’s death due to the inequality in treatment, he said, adding if the government failed to address the issue, it would deepen conflict and divisions.
Krisadang Nutcharus, a lawyer with the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights group, yesterday questioned the DoC’s handling of Netiporn’s case as he turned up at Thammasat University Hospital to observe the postmortem examination.
He asked if Netiporn was properly cared for while she was being detained and if the Department of Corrections Hospital was capable of providing care to patients.
“I’m calling on the justice minister to investigate. Death is a normal aspect of life but if it can be prevented, it reflects [double] standards on the government’s part,” he said.
The Office of the National Human Rights Commission yesterday called for a probe to ensure transparency and urged various state agencies to step up efforts to prevent this kind of incident.
Meanwhile, the DoC yesterday defended its handling of Netiporn, saying the activist was closely monitored and cared for by medical staff. A committee would investigate the circumstances surrounding her death, and the details of the autopsy would be provided.