A red shirt inmate died at Lak Si temporary prison yesterday, with forensic officers still working to determine the cause of his death.
Wanchai Raksa-nguansilp, a 30-year-old red-shirt detainee, fainted and collapsed yesterday morning. He was rushed to hospital where doctors tried to save his life using a ventilator. He was later pronounced dead.
In October last year, Udon Thani provincial court sentenced Wanchai to 22 years and six months imprisonment for trespassing and burning Muang Udon Thani municipality office on May 19, 2010. He was later moved from the provincial prison to Lak Si prison for political prisoners.
Sorasit Chongcharoen, commander of the Bangkok Remand Prison, said an autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of Wanchai's death.
He said the inmate had been well treated by prison officials and he appeared healthy and exercised regularly.
A fellow inmate said Lak Si prison held sports activities yesterday morning. Wanchai looked on as fellow inmates played a game of checkers. He then went to the toilet. Afterward, he went for a drink of water and suddenly fainted.
The inmate, who asked not to be named, said Wanchai complained of chest pains but did not tell prison officials.
Korbkiat Kasiwiwat, deputy director-general of the Corrections Department, said Wanchai was believed to have a health problem.
Red shirt supporters yesterday grieved for Wanchai. His death is the second death of a jailed red shirt this year after lese majeste prisoner Ampon Tangnoppakul, known as Ah Kong, died in Bangkok Remand Prison on May 8.