TRANG — A 19-year-old with genetic anaemia serving a jail sentence in Trang has been in a coma since at least Monday, and the boy's father has accused prison authorities of repeatedly denying him needed medical care.
A 19-year-old inmate is in an ICU in Trang Hospital after falling into a coma. (Photo by Methee Muangkaewe)
Wiwat Ratchasaeng, 45, accompanied by several members of his family, told a press conference on Wednesday that the provincial court found his son, Triphet Ratchasaeng, guilty of possessing weapons.
He was sentenced to 18 months in prison.
According to the father, Triphet has suffered from Thalassemia since he was a child.
He said his son had been in prison for about nine months, and had been denied essential treatment, before being rushed to Trang Hospital for treatment.
"My son used to receive a blood transfusion every three months. After his arrest the prison refused permission for a blood transfusion. He was only given pills, and they had run out," Mr Wiwat said.
Prison guards had to carry Triphet out of his cell so he could meet his family members in the past few visits. The family requested that he receive a blood transfusion immediately, but their requests were always rejected, the father said.
When the family visited him again on Monday morning, they discovered that Triphet had gone into shock and was in a coma at an intensive care unit at Trang Hospital.
"My son remains unconscious and doctors say his condition is worrying.
"My family wants Trang Prison to take responsibility for this. The prison did not look after my son as the family and doctors had requested. We plead for justice and fair treatment," Mr Wiwat said.