Somyos and Waen led a team to submit a letter to the Department of Corrections opposing the transfer of Ekkachai Hongkangwan back to prison while his liver abscess has not yet healed, fearing a repeat of the Bung Netiporn case.
On 3 April 2026 at the Ministry of Justice, a group of Ekkachai’s friends, led by Ms. Natthathida Meewangpla, also known as Waen, and Mr. Somyos Pruksakasemsuk, submitted a letter to the Minister of Justice. They requested an investigation into the case of transferring Ekkachai Hongkangwan, a political prisoner, back to Klong Prem Central Prison, despite his ongoing treatment for a liver abscess at the Corrections Hospital being incomplete. Mr. Teerayut Kaewsings, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Rights and Liberties Protection and spokesperson for the department, received the letter on their behalf.
Ms. Natthathida stated that Ekkachai’s health has consistently deteriorated during his imprisonments. In 2023, he suffered a high fever over 40 degrees Celsius and was diagnosed with a liver abscess. He was then sent, shackled, for treatment at Rajavithi Hospital and nearly died. This year, his condition worsened due to complications including an enlarged prostate and diaphragm inflammation. Despite this, he was transferred back to the prison amid extreme heat, posing a life-threatening risk. She called on the Ministry of Justice to restore the fundamental right of bail for all political prisoners to allow them to fight their cases outside under principles of equality.
Mr. Somyos Pruksakasemsuk spoke passionately, saying he does not want Ekkachai’s case to become a tragic repeat of Bung Netiporn Sanesangkhom, who was transferred from Thammasat Hospital and later died at the Corrections Hospital. He emphasized that the Corrections Hospital lacks the capacity and sufficient life-support equipment for emergency cases. Ekkachai remains innocent as his case is not yet concluded. Should harm occur, the Minister of Justice would be directly responsible.
“We are not demanding that Ekkachai be treated on the 14th floor of Police General Hospital or in a luxury private hospital. We only want him to return to Rajavithi Hospital, where he has a prior treatment history, to save the life of a Thai citizen,” Mr. Somyos said.
Meanwhile, Mr. Teerayut Kaewsings, representing the Ministry of Justice, said after receiving the letter that the ministry takes everyone's life seriously. They will promptly coordinate with the Department of Corrections to thoroughly verify the facts regarding Ekkachai’s illness and transfer procedures. The ministry will expedite action to ensure fairness for all parties involved.