Arnon Nampa: Letter from Prison
In a letter written from Bangkok Remand Prison, political prisoner Arnon Nampa expresses grave fears over plans to separate Section 112 inmates across different prison zones under the Bhumjaithai-led administration. He highlights past coercion, nighttime abduction attempts, and physical assaults by general inmates during daily broadcasts of the Royal Anthem. Arnon emphasizes that remaining detained together is their only safeguard to ensure survivors can report any abuse or violence that occurs inside.
August 5, 2026
5 August 2026
To all my dear and missed friends,
I write this letter with immense hesitation. My hesitation stems from the dire fate that we, political prisoners charged under Section 112, are currently facing. We are in desperate need of help, yet I cannot even tell you how you might assist us. This matter exceeds our ability and perhaps even yours. Therefore, this letter may serve merely as an account of my anxiety regarding the dangers that are about to befall us, Section 112 political prisoners, inside the prison at this moment.
Late last month, Bangkok Remand Prison planned to disperse and transfer Section 112 political prisoners into different zones, preventing us from staying together. This has caused us deep concern. Previously, nameless prison officers attempted to abduct us in the middle of the night back in 2021, and we have been pressured to apply for individual royal pardons since May 18, 2025, with officers citing a "certain senior figure." After we refused, and following the power transition to a Bhumjaithai Party-led government, a new team of prison executives was appointed, and fresh efforts were made to separate and detain us apart from one another. Let me describe the prison atmosphere briefly so you can visualize just how terrifying it is if we are split up and isolated across different zones.
Inside Bangkok Remand Prison, the Royal Anthem is broadcast twice a day: at 6:15 PM and 5:45 AM. Yes, you heard that right—they really play it like that. This environment feels chillingly hostile to us, Section 112 political prisoners accused of trying to "overthrow the monarchy." One of our friends who was previously held in a separate zone was physically assaulted by general inmates simply for failing to stand in respect during the broadcast time mandated by the prison. That friend has now been transferred to the maximum-security Bang Kwang Central Prison.
Few can truly comprehend this vulnerability unless they have faced it in reality as we do. Being detained together does not guarantee that we will not be harmed or killed, but it acts as a safeguard ensuring that if anyone is sent to harm or kill us, they would have to kill us all. For if they fail to eliminate everyone, those who survive will bear witness and tell the world how we were abused.
What remains of a bird locked in a cage or dust scattered upon the water under the fate of Section 112 political prisoners in the "Blue Regime" led by the Bhumjaithai Party? This is why I felt so hesitant to write this letter—because even as I express my wish for your help, I still do not know how you could possibly help us. This storm is simply too immense.
With love and longing for everyone,
Arnon Nampa Section 112 Political Prisoner
