Thai lawyers seek bail for political prisoners under lese majeste law

Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) is working to secure bail for 19 political prisoners, predominantly those charged under Section 112, commonly known as the lese majeste law, to uphold their human rights.

TLHR announced yesterday, May 22, that the number of political prisoners, especially those detained under Section 112 of the Criminal Code, has surged since last year. Many of these individuals have been denied the right to apply for bail while awaiting trial.

The organisation highlighted that, as of last Tuesday, there are at least 43 political prisoners, with at least 26 of them being denied bail before their court appearances. Among those detained, 17 are imprisoned under Section 112.

This group included Netiporn Saneysangkhom, an activist who tragically passed away after a 110-day hunger strike protesting the court’s denial of her bail, said the TLHR.

“On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the coup [on May 22], there are still many people who have been robbed of their freedom to express their political views, leading to an unforeseen increase in the number of people charged in political cases,

“The imprisoned suspects and defendants dealing with political cases, which do not seem to be concluding anytime soon, have expressed their intention to apply for bail to exercise their rights again.

“This situation underscores that there are still individuals who were not granted the right to bail, a basic human right.”

TLHR lawyers submitted bail applications for 19 political prisoners incarcerated under the lese majeste yesterday, including activist Tantawan Tuatulanon. To support these applications, they sought bail funds from the Ratsadonprasong Fund operated by the Siddhi-Issara Foundation, reported Bangkok Post.

Netiporn, also known as Bung, of the Thaluwang Group, passed away at 11.52pm, May 14, following her hospitalisation this morning due to a cardiac arrest. After several life-saving efforts by the medical team at Ratchadon Hospital, attempts were made to transfer her to Thammasart University Hospital, where her treatment would continue.