Jailed activists request individual cells, access to books, ahead of exams

Maya TaylorPublished: 10:09, 28 October 2020| Updated: 10:09, 28 October 2020

205 1 minute read

Jailed activists request individual cells, access to books, ahead of exams — Pro democracy student leaders of United Front of Thammasat and Demonstration, from left Panupong Jadnok, Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul, and Parit Chiwarak raise a three-fingers salute, a symbol of resistance after announcing the pro-democracy movement's rally scheduled for Sept. 19, 2020 at Thammasat University Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020. A two-day rally planned for this weekend is jangling nerves in Bangkok, with apprehension about how far student demonstrators will go in pushing demands for reform of Thailand’s monarchy and how the authorities might react. More than 10,000 people are expected to attend the Saturday-Sunday event. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

PHOTO: Sakchai Lalit / AP

3 protest leaders currently behind bars have spoken with the Justice Minister to ask for a number of personal requests to be granted. Panupong Jadnok, Parit Chiwarak, and Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul, each met with Somsak Thepsutin, with Panupong calling for a separation between prisoners awaiting trial and those who’ve already been convicted. Both Panupong and Parit are being held at Bangkok Remand Prison. Panusaya, who is being detained at the Central Women’s Correctional Institution also requested an individual cell, but her request was turned down.

All 3 have requested access to books, ahead of impending exams. According to a Bangkok Post report, Panusaya told Somsak she’s prepared to suspend her higher education if it prevents her from carrying out her political activism. Parit echoed the request for books, asking for access to the works of left-wing author and historian, Jit Phumisak, and saying he’s concerned about missing his exams. Meanwhile, Noraset Nanongtoom from the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights Centre, says Parit has described living conditions at the jail at “tolerable”.

Maya Taylor

A seasoned writer, with a degree in Creative Writing. Over ten years' experience in producing blog and magazine articles, news reports and website content.