Foreign envoys in Thailand have expressed condolences to the family and friends of political activist Netiporn Sanesangkhom, also known as “Bung Thalu Wang”, who died yesterday at Thammasat University Hospital of cardiac arrest, after months on hunger strike.
German Ambassador to Thailand, Ernst Reichel, wrote on his X account that it was a tragic death of a young political activist in pre-trial detention, without bail, after a prolonged hunger strike. “My wish would be that political disagreements are not taken to such bitter and extreme consequences,” he wrote.
US Ambassador to Thailand Robert Godec also expressed his sadness, saying, “We are saddened by the tragic death of Netiporn ‘Bung’ Sanesangkhom. We send our deepest condolences to her family and friends.”
Also sending condolences to Netiporn’s family were Denmark’s Ambassador to Thailand Jon Thorgaard, Finland’s Ambassador to Thailand Jyri Järviaho, Luxembourg’s envoy Hemmer Patrick, and Sweden’s Ambassador to Thailand Sibille de Cartier. De Cartier’s embassy issued a separate statement, expressing the same message.
Ambassador of the Netherlands to Thailand, Remco van Wijngaarden, wrote on his X account, “With sorrow I have learned of the death of Ms. Netiporn ‘Bung’ Sanesangkhom, who has passed away at the very young age of 26. I offer my sincere condolences to her family and loved ones.”
Condolences and expressions of sadness were also sent by David Daly, the European Union’s Ambassador to Thailand.
UN Human Rights Asia has called for a transparent and impartial investigation into her care and ultimate death.
Meanwhile, members of the Thalu Wang political group and friends of Netiporn gathered in front of the Bangkok South Criminal Court last evening, to mourn her passing.
Noppasin Treelayapewat, a member of the Thalu Wang group, blamed Netiporn’s death on the fact that she was incarcerated and denied bail by the court, prompting her to protest against her detention at the Central Women’s Correctional Institution by staging a hunger strike since January.
He said that the right to bail should belong to all detainees, because they have not yet been found guilty and he hopes that all political prisoners will be freed soon.
Asked about the next move by the Thalu Wang group, Noppasin said they are now in mourning and it will be some time before they meet to consider what to do next.
