Both of them facing multiple charges depend on Thailand’s lese-majesty law.
There are two Thai students jailed over protest for reform of the monarchy is in bad health. One of them named Parit Chiwarak has spent up to six weeks on a hunger strike. Another named Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul has been on hunger strike since April 2.
Thai Students protest about monarchy reform: deteriorating health
Their lawyer said that Parit had fatigue, unable to stand, and constant dizziness, while Panusaya had experienced numbness but taken rehydration drinks after that.
Both of them facing multiple charges depend on Thailand’s lese-majesty law.
It is based on their role in the unprecedented mass protests last year. The protests happened when tens of thousands of people took to the streets and protested for the country’s monarchy reformation.
Many of them are young students. They insisted the royal family could be more responsible and transparent, then not influencing politics. The protesters also asked about lessening the monarchy budget, separating the king’s private wealth from crown wealth, and losing control for army regiments. They also requested the disappearance and death of monarchy critics should be examined by the law. Not only that but they also forced the law forbidding criticism of the royal family should be eliminated.
Parit’s lawyer, Kritsadang Nutcharat, mentioned that when he had a video call with the client, Parit was fainting all the time and he would collapse any time. He also passed black flesh because not eaten for more than six weeks. He even takes sleeping pills because unable to sleep at night.
Parit faces 20 charges and could end in a sentence of 300 years. Yet, Panusaya faces nine cases and leads her to a 135-year sentence. It depends on the lese majesty law and if they were convicted. In a statement, the Department of Corrections said Parit’s condition is still good, and he was in the situation when the fatigue symptoms from the hunger strike occurred. Then Panusaya is in normal condition and has no fatigue from hunger.
However, the department also claimed that they prepare a medical team for monitoring their condition and ready to send him to the prison hospital if needed. At least 82 people deal with cases under Thailand’s lese majesty law. It declares that anyone who “slander, insult or threaten the king, queen, heir or regent” can encounter up to 15 years on each charge.
Kritsadang said, “I’ve used all the legal knowledge that I’ve studied and practised for years.” He also added that he will ask for bail for Parit again on Thursday afternoon even though he wasn’t sure it would be given. He said that because he has lost trust in the legal system.
Parit’s family shared a letter from prison last week. He wrote it for his sister. It is written that when he was away, he wanted his sister to take good care of herself, study hard, and also look after Dad and Mum. The important thing is to tell everyone about what the brother believes in, what he’s done, and what he was ready to dedicate for that.
He also wrote in a letter that he hopes his sister will tell others and inspired people to have faith. Also, don’t forget to act for their beliefs, as Parit has always done.
