MarketNetiporn Sanesangkhom
Company Profile

Netiporn Sanesangkhom

Netiporn Sanesangkhom, better known as Bung (บุ้ง), was a Thai political activist focused on monarchy reform. She initially participated in protests with the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), a right-wing movement in Thailand. However, after listening to other activists about the crackdown on the Red Shirt 2010 protests at Ratchaprasong, Bung became an anti-monarchy activist.

Early life and education
Netiporn Sanesangkhom was born on 8 August 1995. She grew up in a law-focused family; her father was a judge, and her sister is a lawyer. She attended Triam Udom Suksa Nomklao School, where she was a student council member. She then pursued a degree in finance at the Faculty of Business Administration at Kasetsart University. In addition, she worked as a tutor, teaching English to elementary, middle, and high school students. == Social activism ==
Social activism
Bung became interested in activism beginning in high school, when she served as a student council member. As a member of the student council, she encouraged her peers to maintain proper hairstyles and adhere to uniform regulations. However, some of her friends protested against these rules, which led her to question the fairness of such regulations. == Charges and imprisonment ==
Charges and imprisonment
On 30 May 2022, the specialized prosecutor from the Office of the Special Prosecutor for Criminal Cases, Southern Bangkok 4, filed charges against eight activists and independent media members, including Bung, in the Southern Bangkok Criminal Court. The charges included "jointly defaming the King, jointly inciting unrest, jointly obstructing officials in the performance of their duties by committing offenses with three or more people, jointly insulting officials performing their duties, and jointly disobeying official orders" under Sections 112, 116, 136, 138, 140, and 368 of the Criminal Code. The key points of the indictment stated that: on 13 March 2022 Bung began a hunger strike in opposition to these charges in June 2022, which continued for 64 days. She was granted bail, on the condition that she not repeat her offense. On 26 January 2024, the Southern Bangkok Criminal Court sentenced her to one month in prison for contempt of court, referring to her October 2023 protest of the trial of another activist. Bung began a hunger strike in protest of the charges against her on 27 January 2024, a day after she was detained. == Criticism ==
Criticism
On 9 August 2023, Benjamaporn Nivas, a former member of Thaluwang and an alleged lèse-majesté offender, who is currently a refugee in Canada, made allegations on Twitter against Bung. She accused Bung of manipulating children to join activities, claiming that she was coerced and exploited for the movement's benefits, particularly during protests, to secure funding from international pro-democracy organizations. In contrast, Yok, a member of Thaluwang, used her personal Facebook page to affirm that Bung supported and took good care of her, always suggesting that she take breaks from activities and that it was Yok who asked to stay with Bung. Additionally, other activists have expressed their support for Bung. Baipor—Nachanich Duangmusit, a Thaluwang member and activist who fasted alongside Bung while in detention, posted on her personal Facebook that Bung never coerced or manipulated anyone, believing in everyone's individual intellect. Similarly, Anna Ananannon, an activist from the group Bad Student, who frequently protested with Bung and Yok, tweeted that she was never forced into any actions while she had participated in activities with Bung. == Death and public reaction ==
Death and public reaction
On 14 May 2024, Bung died at Thammasat University Hospital from sudden cardiac arrest at the age of 28. According to Krisadang Nutcharus, a lawyer from the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights Center, Bung's family confirmed that her condition had deteriorated to the point where no vital signs could be detected, suspected to be caused by prolonged hunger striking prior to her death. Kittithat Sriamrung, one of Bung's friends, stood firm on three demands: • Thailand should not be a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council • The country should reform its judicial system, ensuring that those charged under Section 112 and political prisoners receive bail rights • No political dissidents should be imprisoned. Kittithat concluded by expressing a desire to uphold these three demands in Thai society and to continue Bung's mission, ensuring that her efforts were not in vain. In response to the news, a large number of citizens and activists gathered in front of the Southern Bangkok Criminal Court for 1 hour and 12 minutes to commemorate Bung. Many key members of both the Move Forward Party and Future Forward Party also posted about Bung's death. Pannika Wanich questioned whether someone had to die before society realized that individuals with differing views should not die or be imprisoned. She emphasized that many are still imprisoned without bail and that three people are still on hunger strike in jails. Rangsiman Rome expressed sadness over Bung's death and emphasized that regardless of agreement or disagreement with her actions, everyone should have the right to bail to fight fully. Such losses, he argued, result from withdrawal of bail without legal grounds, and responsibility lies with the judiciary for those who have lost their lives. Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn stated that no one should be detained simply for differing political views, and no one should lose their lives just because of differing opinions. The right to bail is a fundamental right in the justice process that every citizen should receive from the state. Major General Tawee Sodsong, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, told the press that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has been informed but there has been no comment or official statement from the Pheu Thai Party yet. Until a day after the incident, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed his condolences to Bung, stating that the right to bail and the release of political activists during pre-trial detention will be discussed soon to ensure fairness for everyone, but he has not yet addressed the judicial system reform, the abolition of Section 112, or the amnesty for lèse-majesté prisoners, even though these were part of his election campaign. Nattawut Saikuar, a former member of Pheu Thai Party, expressed his condolences and concluded that no one should lose their lives due to differing opinions. He hoped that this incident would be the last and called for the remaining children to be released. Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong announced that an autopsy would be performed on Bung's body, and a committee would be created to investigate her death. The Thai branch of Amnesty International called her death "a shocking reminder that Thai authorities are denying activists their right to temporary release on bail and using detention to silence the peaceful expression of dissent". == Film ==
Film
A documentary titled Hungry for Freedom (2023), directed by Thai filmmaker Rachata Thongruay, chronicles Netiporn's life and activism. The film received nominations for the IDA Documentary Awards, a One World Media Award, and a 2024 Grierson Award. == References ==
tickerdossier.comtickerdossier.substack.com