Doctors concerned about worsening health of Thai hunger-strikers

The conditions of two activists have worsened as they enter the 20th day of a hunger strike today. 

Thammasat University Hospital last night said in a statement that the health of two young activists – Tantawan “Tawan” Tuatulanon and Orawan “Bam” Phuphong – have deteriorated. 

The duo has refused to eat food since Jan. 16 to protest the pretrial detentions of critics of the monarchy, many of whom have languished in prison for months on end awaiting trial.

Tantawan, 21, is suffering from fatigue, nausea, bleeding gums, abdominal pain, and a dry mouth. She has also reportedly developed memory problems and a life-threatening diabetes complication that is causing her blood to become acidic, according to the statement. 

Orawan, 23, is suffering from similar health conditions in addition to a clotting disorder, dizziness, and fatigued legs. 

Both of…