Pathum Thani: The Institute of Forensic Medicine at the Ministry of Justice witnessed a gathering of relatives of Pol. Col. Thitisan Uthanaphon, known as Superintendent Joe, as they arrived to collect his body. Superintendent Joe, a former police superintendent of Mueang Nakhon Sawan Police Station, was a defendant in a high-profile murder case involving a drug suspect. The autopsy, observed by the subcommittee for screening facts in cases of torture and enforced disappearances under the Anti-Aggression Act, aims to determine the cause of his death.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Col. Dr. Chokchai Sitthiphonkul, Director-General of the Office of Investigation and Vice Chairman of the Subcommittee, announced that the initial autopsy procedures began at 9:00 a.m. Concurrently, the subcommittee convened to deliberate on the fact-finding investigation into Superintendent Joe’s case, which includes a complaint filed by Joe’s lawyer at Prachachuen Police Station. The complaint pertains to an incident involving alleged physical abuse by a prison officer, which may fall under the Anti-Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act. The subcommittee is expected to outline the investigation’s supervisory guidelines.
Currently, the investigation is primarily handled by the officers at Prachachuen Police Station, with public prosecutors overseeing the process. If offenses that fall under the Anti-Disappearance Act are discovered, legal actions will ensue. Additionally, the subcommittee will address previous issues where investigators were denied access to the prison for inquiry. Assurance has been given that the subcommittee will ensure compensation and justice for the victim’s family.
Upon receiving the autopsy results, the prosecutor will compile a death report for the court to initiate an investigation into Superintendent Joe’s death. The subcommittee, alongside Asst. Prof. Dr. Worawi Waiwut, Deputy Director of the Institute of Forensic Science, attended a subsequent meeting to further monitor the autopsy process.
The subcommittee on screening facts on torture and enforced disappearances is comprised of various representatives from governmental and legal bodies, including the Director-General of the Department of Rights and Liberties Protection, the Attorney-General’s Office, and several other key figures. Their duties encompass screening complaints, verifying information, gathering evidence, and coordinating with relevant agencies, all aimed at addressing acts of torture and enforced disappearances, particularly in cases where detainees have died.