Bangkok: After nine years with no progress in the case, the mother of a cadet from the military academy has petitioned the House Committee on Legal Affairs, expressing concerns about the decision not to prosecute the senior cadet who had charges dropped against him.
According to Thai News Agency, the Committee on Legal Affairs has received a letter seeking justice from the family of Nong Mey, a military cadet who died due to disciplinary action. On July 8, 2016, Mr. Rangsiman Rome, Chairman of the Committee on Law, Justice, and Human Rights, and his committee were presented with a letter from Mrs. Sukanya Tanyakan. She is the mother of Mr. Pakapong Tanyakan, a cadet at the Royal Thai Army Cadet School who was assaulted by other cadets as part of disciplinary measures within the school on August 22, 2017. This incident led to a detailed autopsy and investigation into his death.
The autopsy and subsequent investigation by the Thai Army committee concluded that the cause of death was acute heart failure due to acute myocarditis. The investigation revealed that the cadet had previously been subjected to disciplinary punishments, such as headstands, which are generally not permitted. However, the investigation and timeline of death indicated that his death was due to a pre-existing medical condition and not the disciplinary measures on that particular day. The family filed a lawsuit against senior cadets and school officials, alleging they caused the cadet's death. Despite this, the investigating officers and military prosecutors dropped the charges against those involved, citing forensic evidence that pointed to a pre-existing condition as the cause of death.
Nine years have passed without any progress in the case, leaving the family in immense emotional distress over the death of their son. They have requested the Committee to investigate the facts to ensure that police officers and relevant agencies perform their duties and comply with legal policies, justice, and human rights.
Mr. Rangsiman Rome expressed his condolences and support to the family of the deceased after receiving the letter. The committee plans to bring the matter before its members for consideration and will proceed according to its duties and powers, with details of the deliberation to be communicated to the submitters later.