Rallying for Tantawan and Orawan

There has been a strange and limited social media argument that Tantawan Tuatulanon (Tawan) and Orawan Phuphong (Bam) should not be on a hunger strike. It seems that some middle class liberals feel that this action is akin to political violence.

Frankly, events show that this view is perverse. The brave stand by Tantawan and Orawan has quickly reignited protest and discussion of lese majeste. They deserve huge credit for their brave stance.

Over the past 24-48 hours, things have developed quickly. Here, PPT summarizes from social media posts. To follow events, look for Khaosod and Prachatai on Facebook.

Tantawan and Orawan were taken to Thammasat University Hospital on Tuesday. They are now in their 9th day of dry hunger strike.Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) reported that a lawyer who visited them at Thammasat University Hospital yesterday (25 January) said that the two activists have lost a lot of weight, to the point that they can see the shape of Tantawan’s skull.

The lawyer said that, when the two activists arrived at the hospital, it was found that Tantawan has low potassium level and was at risk of cardiac arrest, so she was given a potassium supplement. However, the two activists insist on continuing their hunger strike, and will not be receiving IV fluids or other vitamin supplements.

The pair are staying in the same hospital room, and are constantly guarded by 4 corrections officers.

Food delivery rider Sitthichok Sethasavet, convicted of lese majeste on 17 January 2023, accused of setting fire to a portrait of King Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida and detained pending appeal has gone on a hunger strike to protest his detention.

Today, protesters gathered at the Pathumwan Skywalk in support of activists Tawan and Bam.

Clipped from Khaosod FB page

The Chiang Rai Provincial Court has thrown gas on the 112 fire by sentencing Mongkol Thirakhote or “Bass” to a mammoth 42 years in prison, reduced from 28, for 27 seditious and lese majeste FB posts on Thursday. A bail application is pending.

Monarchy-reform protest co-leader Arnon Nampa called for a major demonstration in front of Bangkok Arts and Culture Centre at 5.12pm Thursday in support of lese majeste detainees Tawan and Bam. People are marching out from Chulalongkorn University (CU) to Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) to show their support. The judiciary is criticized for bias on lese majeste cases.