Images: Ginger Cat
On 24 February, activists Tantawan ‘Tawan’ Tuatulanon, and Orawan ‘Bam’ Phuphong, left Thammasat Hospital to continue their fasting in front of the Supreme Court. They have fasted for 37 days demanding bail rights and justice reform.
Tantawan Tuatulanon lies on bed as she leaves Thammasat hospital.
Due to the long fast, their appearance has apparently deteriorated even though some small amounts of water and liquids are provided from time to time to avoid the risk of death.
Orawan Phuphong leaves the hospital at the same time as Tantawan.
In the afternoon, people could be seen building a shelter on the footpath in front of the Court. One section of it surrounded by plastic wraps is meant for the two to stay in while continuing their campaign.
On Facebook, Tantawan and Orawan posted a letter to Thammasat Hospital insisting on leaving, as well as fully acknowledging the risk to their lives from doing so.
As the two arrived at the Court entrance, they were transferred into the prepared space. Demonstrators also expressed solidarity with them by demanding the release of political detainees.
Orawan arrives at the prepared space in front of Supreme Court.
Ever since the surge of mass protests in 2020 calling for political and monarchy reform, people have been charged, jailed, or detained pending trial for involvement in the movement. Questions have been asked in public and parliament over the use of the law to detain individuals for exercising their constitutional right to freedom of expression to the point where it may violate the presumption of innocence.
A demonstrator flashes a three-finger salute at the front of Supreme Court.
At the time Tantawan and Orawan began their refusal to drink and eat, there were 16 people, including them, who were being held in detention pending trial or appeal on charges related to their participation in the pro-democracy movement, 8 of them on royal defamation charges.
As of 25 February, three political dissidents remain in detention pending trial - Thiranai, Khathathon, and Chaiyaporn (surnames withheld in all cases). Their bail applications are awaiting the courts’ decision. Their release was among the immediate demands of Tantawan and Orawan.
Their other demands include reform of the judicial system to guarantee human rights and freedom of expression. They also demand that every political party move to guarantee people’s rights, freedoms, and political participation by backing the repeal of the royal defamation and sedition laws.
Note: Prachatai English changed the 'dry fasting' into 'fasting' in the headline and the body texts accordingly to the fact. The change was made at 21.00 on 25 February 2023.
