BANGKOK, March 12 (TNA) – Yesterday, the Department of Corrections allowed media members to see cell number 50 in Zone 5 of Klong Prem Central Prison, where Pol. Col. Thitisan Utthanaphon, known as “Former Police Colonel Joe,” used a towel to hang himself on March 7.
This occurred after he had been imprisoned for more than 3 years. Pol. Lt. Col. Chen Kanchanapat, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Corrections, along with prison officials, explained that the cell was a separate control room. During the day, the former police colonel could participate in activities with other inmates, but in the evening, he had to return to his cell alone.
Family Files Request for DSI to Investigate Death
The former police colonel’s family, accompanied by a lawyer, went to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to file a request for an investigation into the cause of death under the Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act. The former police colonel’s girlfriend stated that this request does not imply a lack of confidence in the police work but rather a desire for multiple relevant agencies to transparently investigate the facts, particularly regarding allegations of physical abuse by prison guards and various pressures he faced.
Autopsy Results Pending, Prison Officials Testify
Currently, the pathological and forensic science examination results have not been released and are expected to take another 2-3 weeks. A prison official involved has testified that on the day of the incident, he found the former police colonel dead around 8:00 PM when he was about to bring him anti-stress medication. After calling him with no response, he looked through the door slot and saw him sitting, before discovering he had a cloth tied around his neck. The official attempted to cut the cloth to help him but was unsuccessful, eventually using a cutter to remove it. CCTV footage examination confirmed these statements.
Body Condition and Evidence Found
When forensic officers examined the scene, they found the body of the former police colonel lying on his back covered with a white cloth. They also discovered a towel cut into two pieces – one tied to the bars and another on the floor. The towel has been sent for DNA testing, which is expected to take about a week. The knot pattern of the cloth is also being examined. Officials have set a 30-day timeframe to conclude this case and clarify all details.
Previous Case and Prison Sentence
Four years ago, the former police colonel and six subordinates were defendants in a case involving the physical assault of Jiraphong Thanaphat, a drug suspect who died after having a plastic bag placed over his head. The incident occurred at Muang Nakhon Sawan Police Station on August 5, 2021.
After fleeing for a period, the former police colonel surrendered and confessed to assaulting the suspect but denied intent to kill. Subsequently, the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct sentenced him to death, later reduced to life imprisonment due to compensation provided to the deceased’s family. – 819 (TNA)
