A volunteer lawyer who threw his hat into the political arena with a leading opposition party died yesterday after a hit-and-run incident in his hometown.
Tiranon Wiangdharm, aka “lawyer Ken” of the Move Forward Party, was confirmed dead Thursday, days after he was hit by a car while campaigning in the northern province of Phrae.
“Lawyer Ken was an attorney for the people. His heart sought justice and democracy. He fought mining operations, excise taxes, and the homebrewing ban among other issues – always alongside the party and the people,” Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat wrote on social media. “I hope he rests in peace.”
An officer answering the phone at the Sung Men Police Station in Phrae this morning told Coconuts they were investigating the incident.
On the night of Feb. 25, Tiranon was seriously injured after he and his motorbike were hit by a speeding pickup truck coming in the opposite direction. Tiranon was taken for treatment at a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries and died five days later.
Tiranon’s family and party members have urged the police to investigate his death. Maj. Chavalit Laohaudomphan, a Move Forward Party MP, called on local police to find and bring the pickup driver in for questioning as soon as possible.
Earning the nickname “lawyer for the poor,” Tiranon had been a volunteer attorney in Phrae province, where he recently announced he would seek office in the election now set for May.
After learning about Tiranon’s death, activist-turned-Move Forward MP Rangsiman Rome tweeted, “Lawyer Ken was dedicated to his work and always helped the people. I want the police to investigate, prosecute the perpetrators and give justice to Tiranon’s family.”
When the Move Forward Party campaigned for votes in early February in Lampang province, Trianon joined Pita on the stage and announced that he would become a candidate for Phrae province.
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