Thailand prisoner rights debate scrapped amid backlash
A heated debate over equal healthcare rights for prisoners was abruptly shut down in Thailand’s Senate yesterday after Senator Angkhana Neelapaijit withdrew her motion, sparking backlash from fellow lawmakers.
The motion aimed to highlight discrepancies in medical treatment between prisoners and high-profile figures like former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who spent six months in a VIP hospital ward instead of prison before being released on parole.
Despite paying for his 8,500-baht-a-night room, his preferential treatment fuelled public criticism over double standards in the justice system.
Angkhana claimed she lacked sufficient supporting information, particularly regarding the death of activist Netiporn “Boong” Saneysangkhom, a Thalu Wang protest leader who died following a hunger strike in detention.
However, her sudden withdrawal did not sit well with Senator Nantana Nantavaropas, who accused her of possibly succumbing to political pressure.
“If you weren’t ready, you should not have submitted this motion in the first place.”
Angkhana insisted she had to gather more details before pushing forward, warning that rushing the debate could lead to misinterpretation or errors.
Senator Thanakon Thawonchinchot and two others who previously backed the motion also revoked their support. The Senate later voted 138 to 7 to formally withdraw the debate, with seven abstentions.
Angkhana told reporters she still intended to expose double standards in prisoner healthcare but needed stronger evidence before reopening the discussion, reported Bangkok Post.
In similar news, the Department of Corrections (DoC) is considering a new initiative that would allow prisoners to earn early release by reading books, as announced by Justice Minister Police Colonel Tawee Sodsong.
Under the proposal, inmates could receive one day of parole for each book they read, encouraging education and self-improvement during incarceration. The programme aims to ensure that prisoners gain basic literacy and business skills before re-entering society.
Currently, 77% of Thailand’s 230,000 inmates have not completed compulsory education, and 10% are classified as uneducated. The DoC hopes to help them achieve the equivalent of Mathayom 6 (Grade 12) or vocational qualifications to improve job prospects post-release.
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