Well-known Thai hunger striker Chalard Worachat dies of heart attack

Serial hunger striker Chalard Worachat died late last night of a heart attack at his home in Bangkok.

Family members said that his body will be moved to Nonthaburi province for the funeral.

The 78-year old former Democrat MP, for Trat province in 1979 and for Bangkok in 1986, left to join Mass Party as its deputy leader. He subsequently resigned from the party to engage in extra-parliamentary politics, with hunger strikes becoming his trademark.

Before the “Black May” incident in 1992, Chalard staged a solo hunger strike in front of parliament to protest against then Prime Minister Suchinda Kraprayoon. He vowed to fast to his death, but his threat was ignored.

He also staged a hunger strike to protest against the coup, which toppled the government of then Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, on September 19^th, 2006.

Again, after the coup that toppled the government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on May 22^nd, 2014, Chalard staged a hunger strike for 45 days, consuming only honey and water.  He eventually gave up due to poor health.