Phuntsok Thoesam (born 1970) was born into a farming family in Phenpo Lhundrup County and later became a monk at Drepung Monastery. On 4 June 1993, he was arrested along with Ngawang Tsondrue and another unidentified monk for staging a peaceful demonstration in Lhasa.

The three were initially detained at Gutsa Detention Centre, where they were subjected to abusive interrogation. Phuntsok Thoesam was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment, Ngawang Tsondrue to six years, and the unidentified monk to four years. Following sentencing, all were transferred to Drapchi Prison. Ngawang Tsondrue was released in 1999 after completing his sentence.