Amphon-Tangnoppakul-Obituary

Amphon Tangnoppakul

Obituary

BANGKOK (AP) - A 62-year-old Thai man who became known as "Uncle SMS" after he was convicted of defaming Thailand's royal family in text messages died Tuesday while serving a 20-year prison term.

The case of Amphon Tangnoppakul, who had suffered from mouth cancer, drew attention to Thailand's severe lese majeste law last November when he received one of the heaviest-ever sentences for someone accused of insulting the monarchy.

As news of his death spread, about 40 demonstrators gathered outside Bangkok's Central Criminal Court holding signs denouncing the royal defamation law and holding leaflets saying "Uncle is dead. Who killed him?"

His wife, Rosmalin Tangnoppakul, learned of his death while trying to visit him Tuesday at the Bangkok prison where he was held. Friends later consoled her at a prison reception area while she burned an incense stick and prayed.

"Amphon Tangnoppakul, you can come home now," she said. "You're free now. Co me home!"

The cause of Amphon's death early Tuesday was not immediately known, but he had complained of stomach pains on Friday and was transferred to a correctional department hospital, his lawyer Anon Numpa said. Officials planned an autopsy on Wednesday, the lawyer said.

Amphon, a retired truck driver, was arrested in August 2010 and accused of using a cellphone to send four text messages to a government official that were deemed offensive to the queen. He denied sending them and said he didn't even know how to use the SMS function on his telephone to send texts.

He wept during his court proceedings, saying, "I love the king."

The sentence was believed to be the heaviest ever received in a lese majeste case because of additional penalties issued under a related law, the 2007 Computer Crimes Act.

Before his arrest, Amphon had lived with his wife, daughter-in-law and three grandchildren in a rented room in Samut Prakan province, on the outskirts of Bangkok.

Opponents of the lese majeste law - known as Article 112 - have been seeking its reform or abolition, but have met with fierce opposition from royalists.

"He was the victim of this draconian law, Article 112," said Suda Rangkupan, a Chulalongkorn University lecturer and member of the group Friends of Thai Political Prisoners. "And we also want to show ... to the Thai court, that this death was caused by injustice in Thailand."

THANYARAT DOKSONE, Associated Press


Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Sincere condolences to Mr. Tangnoppakul's family during this difficult time. Do not despair because God will soon fulfill this promise....Revelaton 21:4..."And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away...You can then look to see Amphon again.

A Draconian Law that kills people for insulting the Monarchy, a Law that is long overdue to be reformed, is just plain wrong! Rest in Peace Amphon! You were punished for your loyalty to the Monarchy, and people around the world are taking notice. Many condolences to your family and friends!

Amphon was treated so unjustly. We will miss him so much for now. Very soon, the true lover of justice, Jehovah God, will resurrect him to perfect human health where he will live and enjoy life on a beautiful paradise earth forever in true peace and harmony

R.I.P. Amphon Tangnoppakul. Sincerest condolences to his family and friends.

R.I.P.