Advocacy Group Appeals for Medical Release of Detained Activist
A prominent human rights organization has formally petitioned a parliamentary committee, urging the immediate temporary release of a prominent activist who is reportedly in deteriorating health while incarcerated. The People’s Amnesty Network (PAN) presented their plea yesterday to Rangsiman Rome, a Member of Parliament and the head of the House Committee on Legal Affairs, Justice, and Human Rights.
The activist, Ekachai, has been in custody since September 5 of the previous year. This followed an appellate court’s decision to overturn a prior acquittal, resulting in a 21-year prison sentence. The charges relate to an alleged attempt to endanger the liberty of the Queen.
Concerns Over Medical Care and Denied Release
Nattathida Meewangpla, a representative for PAN, stated that activists have maintained weekly contact with Ekachai since his detention. She highlighted that repeated requests for temporary release on medical grounds have been consistently denied.
Ekachai, aged 50, initially sought a medical evaluation at the Corrections Hospital on September 28 last year. However, his transfer to the facility did not occur until late March. Subsequent examinations revealed significant health issues, including an enlarged prostate, liver, and spleen. Reports also indicate he suffered multiple strokes in April.
PAN has publicly questioned the continuity of care after these diagnoses and is now advocating for Ekachai’s transfer to either Rajavithi Hospital or Thammasat University Hospital. The group argues that the Corrections Hospital lacks the specialized medical facilities necessary for his condition.
Echoes of Past Tragedies and Broader Inmate Rights
The organization also voiced concerns that Ekachai’s situation could parallel that of Ampon Tangnoppakul, also known as “Akong.” Akong passed away in prison in 2012 while serving a sentence for lese-majeste and computer crime offenses.
This appeal arrives in the wake of another high-profile death. In May 2024, activist Netiporn “Bung” Sanesangkhom, 28, died during a hunger strike. She was protesting the denial of bail for numerous individuals facing political charges.
The PAN activists emphasized that their current campaign extends beyond aiding Ekachai. Their broader objective is to ensure equitable access to healthcare for all incarcerated individuals.
Legal Entitlements and Departmental Responsibilities
Noraset Nanongtoom, an advisor to the committee chairman, affirmed that prisoners possess a legal entitlement to healthcare under Section 55 of the Corrections Act. This legislation grants the Department of Corrections the authority to transfer inmates to external hospitals when specialized treatment is required or when in-prison care is insufficient.
Mr. Rangsiman acknowledged the importance of guaranteeing healthcare access for all prisoners as a fundamental principle. He stressed that every inmate deserves adequate medical treatment, irrespective of their background.
Background of the Case and Sentencing
Ekachai is among five individuals whose acquittals were overturned on appeal in September 2025. They received prison sentences ranging from 16 to 21 years for their alleged involvement in obstructing a royal motorcade during a pro-democracy protest in October 2020.
These individuals have appealed their sentences to the Supreme Court. However, their requests for bail were denied due to the gravity of the charges, according to legal advocacy groups.
The charges were brought under Section 110 of the Criminal Code, a seldom-used provision concerning the endangerment of the Queen’s safety, which can carry the death penalty in the most severe instances.
Contrasting Court Rulings and Witness Accounts
The initial ruling by the Court of First Instance in 2023 acquitted the defendants. This decision was based on witness testimony suggesting that both police and protesters were taken by surprise by the unexpected approach of the motorcade near Government House. In the ensuing confusion, as law enforcement attempted to manage the situation, witnesses reported that demonstrators directed their grievances towards the police rather than the royal procession.
