PUBLISHED: 9 Mar 2025 at 18:58
An initial autopsy conducted by the Central Institute of Forensic Science has indicated that the probable cause of death for Pol Col Thitisan “Joe Ferrari” Utthanaphon was suicide by hanging.
According to Dr. Worawee Waiyawuth, Deputy Director of the CIFS, preliminary findings suggest that Thitisan used a small towel as a makeshift noose to end his life.
Despite reports of bruising found on the back and hip, which were determined to be from old injuries, further lab tests on tissue samples are underway to confirm the findings.
Dr. Worawee addressed concerns regarding bloodstains discovered by Thitisan’s relatives in his cell, explaining that forensic officials believe the blood may have seeped from the body post-mortem, a common occurrence after death.
Dr. Worawee stated, “Initially, we have focused on suicide by hanging as the likely cause of death. The marks around the neck correspond with the size of a small towel identified as the possible instrument.”
In contrast, Thitisan’s lawyer, Weerasak Nakhin, has announced that the family intends to pursue a second post-mortem examination at Chulalongkorn University for an additional opinion.
Pol Maj Gen Jessada Suaysom, commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau’s Division 2, confirmed that police are continuing to investigate evidence from the scene, including reviewing CCTV footage.
Thitisan, previously sentenced to life imprisonment, was discovered hanging in his cell on Friday night, a shocking development during his incarceration.
The Department of Corrections issued a statement confirming that officials were made aware of Thitisan’s death around 8:30 PM on Friday. He was found slumped against his cell door, with visible signs of distress, including bruised fingers and no pulse.
Thitisan had been serving his sentence for over three years and six months. However, his family remains skeptical of the suicide theory, citing past incidents where Thitisan was reportedly assaulted by prison staff following a disciplinary action against another inmate.
On February 26, Thitisan’s mother filed a complaint demanding an investigation into her son’s treatment in prison after he faced hostility from a guard for reporting an inmate who was violating prison regulations.
