Four questions have been asked of the UK government by Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kerry McCarthy MP (Britsol East, Labour Party) regarding the death of political prisoner Ampon Tangnoppakul  AKA Ah Kong and the on-going situation vis a vis the use of lese majeste laws in Thailand.

As these are "named day questions" they should be answered by 21st May but a "holding" answer might be used instead until the UK government formalises its position and gives a more in-depth response at a later date (as the questions have only just been tabled I can't provide a link right now but will update tomorrow). The questions are as follows and are submitted directly to the government minister for his response -

•     What representations has he made regarding the imprisonment and death of Ampon Tangnoppakul in Thailand?

•     What assessment has he made of access to healthcare for prisoners in Thailand?

•     What assessment has he made of the treatment of people a) arrested and b) convicted under lèse majesté laws in Thailand?

•     What assessment has he made of the compliance of lèse majesté laws in Thailand with Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; and what representations has he made to the government of Thailand regarding freedom of expression and the lèse majesté laws?

The significance of these questions is that they mark a further internationalising of the lese majeste issue. They will also push the UK government into formalising its position not only on lese majeste but also regarding the healthcare and well-being of prisoners - issues that have particular pertinence after the death of Ah Kong.

I will return to this once the UK government has responded and hopefully will speak directly to Kerry McCarthy MP, herself.