20 September 2024

The Criminal Court will decide today whether to grant bail to two hunger-striking monarchy reform activists, Tantawan Tuatulanon and Natthanon Chaimahabutra.

The Criminal Court has previously refused to grant bail for the pair, who were detained on charges involving a royal motorcade incident earlier this month. Both then began a hunger strike in detention and are refusing medical treatment.

Tantawan was rushed from the Corrections Hospital to Thammasat University Hospital on Thursday, due to her deteriorating health, while Natthanon remains in detention.

Tantawan’s father Sommai petitioned the Criminal Court on Saturday for bail, as the health of both activists continues to deteriorate. He claims that Natthanon is in very bad shape, appears disoriented and can barely speak, while his daughter can still talk, but her voice is barely audible.

As part of the renewed bail application, he promised to restrain his daughter from engaging in future political activities and asked for mercy to save the lives of the two young people.