Tragic Incident in Chon Buri: Young Recruit Dies After Alleged Abuses
PUBLISHED : 15 Aug 2024 at 20:32
The Royal Thai Army has detained over a dozen soldiers from the 21st Infantry Regiment following the death of 18-year-old recruit Worapratch Phadmasakul, who died on August 2 from injuries reportedly sustained during training.
According to a statement from the army, thirteen drill instructors stand accused of fatally assaulting the recruit during his training. They are currently held at the 14th Military Circle Prison in Chon Buri while an investigation is ongoing.
In addition to the drill instructors, disciplinary measures are being taken against three commanding officers for their lack of supervision.
Deputy army spokesman Col Ritcha Suksuwanon confirmed that the First Army Area will assist Worapratch’s family with legal processes and compensation following the tragic incident.
Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, chairman of the House committee on the armed forces, announced that the committee will further question soldiers from the regiment and submit findings to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) for potential charges under the Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act.
Worapratch, who was a voluntary recruit, had previously applied to join the army but was initially rejected due to weight issues. After losing over ten kilograms, he elected to apply again in May and was accepted.
His family revealed that he experienced significant weight loss shortly after enlisting and did not express any complaints about the training process.
On June 22, it was reported that he exhibited a weak pulse after undergoing physical punishment. He was not promptly taken to a hospital following the first incident, and concerns regarding delayed medical assistance led to further assaults. All accused instructors have denied any wrongdoing.
The rookie soldier ultimately received care at Fort Nawamintharachini Hospital but was later transferred to Phramongkutklao Hospital in Bangkok, where he unfortunately succumbed to his injuries on August 2.
