Concern rises for lives of two Thai activists on hunger strike

Political activists Orawan Phuphong, left, and Tatawan Tuatulanon raise a three-finger salute, a symbol of resistance, in protest outside at Criminal Court in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, Jan. 16, 2023. Concerns about the condition of the two activists currently on hunger strikes seeking political and judicial reforms heightened Monday, Feb. 6, 2023, after the hospital where the two women are being kept urgently summoned their parents. - AP

BANGKOK, Feb 7 (AP): Concerns about the condition of two hunger strikers seeking political and judicial reforms in Thailand heightened Monday after the hospital where the two women are being kept urgently summoned their parents.

Tantawan "Tawan” Tuatulanon, 21, and Orawan "Bam” Phuphong, 23, have been on hunger strike since Jan. 18 - much of that time refusing water as well as food - to back their demands for reform of the justice system, the release of political prisoners pending trial and for lawmakers to amend or abolish laws used against political dissidents.