An elderly man, who had been protesting in front of the Criminal Court in Bangkok for the past couple of days demanding the release of all political detainees and prisoners, collapsed and died today (Sunday).


Some protesters claim that Phairote Chotesriphanporn fainted and hit his head on the concrete pavement in front of the Ratchadapisek Criminal Court. Others, said that he was sitting at a bus stop in front of the court when he collapsed.


Other protesters rushed to his aid before rushing him to Rajavithi Hospital. He was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.


Anti-establishment protesters, led by Chatupat Boonpattararaksa, rallied at the Bangkok Art and Culture Gallery at about 9am, before moving to the court to join another group, led by Kittisak Kongthong.


They said that they wanted to post bail for 12 of the political detainees and prisoners, adding that they expect the court to respond to their request.


The group said that they will not, however, post bail for Tantawan Tuatulanon, Orawan Phuphong and two others who have said that they do not want to be bailed out.


Tantawan and Orawan are currently being treated at Thammasat University Hospital, after falling ill during their hunger strike in the Central Women’s Correctional Institute.

Man dies in front of Criminal Court while demanding release of political prisoners | Thai PBS World : The latest Thai news in English, News Headlines, World News and News Broadcasts in both Thai and English. We bring Thailand to the world