Jan 30, 2009 (DVB), Monk U Arnanda, 61, of North Okkalapa township’s Thitsa Tharaphu monastery has died in detention in Insein prison, according to a relative of another political prisoner.

The relative said U Arnanda's nephew had told him the monk had died on 22 January of unknown causes.

"Insein prison informed North Okkalapa police station of his death, and they called the National Head Monks' Association who contacted Thitsa Tharaphu monastery and they passed on the news to the family," the relative said.

Several other monks and nuns held in the prison have been suffering health problems due to the lack of provisions, the relative said.

"About 15 monks and nuns arrested from North Okkalapa monasteries, aged between 32-70, are suffering from malnutrition as they were banned family visits to accept food and necessary items," he said.

"About four of them are can't even walk."

Fifteen monks and nuns from Thitsa Tharaphu monastery were sentenced to four years and three months on 12 August last year, on charges of defaming the Sasana and distributing pornographic material.

Reporting by Nan Kham Kaew