Bangkok: Dr. Pornthip, former director of the Institute of Forensic Medicine, revealed insights into how wounds on the body of ‘Pol. Col. Joe’ could indicate whether his death was a murder or suicide.
According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Khunying Porntip Rojanasunan discussed the death of Pol. Col. Thitisan Uthanaphon, also known as Police Colonel Joe. She explained that forensic methods are crucial in examining the body to determine the manner of death. The assessment considers the final posture, whether face down or against bars, and the materials used, such as the reported 40 cm towel, to evaluate its potential use in hanging. The Institute of Forensic Medicine’s role is to ascertain if Police Colonel Joe could have hanged himself.
Dr. Pornthip emphasized the necessity of neutrality for investigators and the importance of evidence collection at the scene. She explained the difference in wounds between self-inflicted strangulation and murder; self-inflicted wounds tend to be horizontal, whereas suicide by hanging results in wounds slanting upwards, forming a V shape.
Reflecting on her experience, Dr. Pornthip noted that during her tenure as director, she encountered cases where forensic science was pivotal in distinguishing between murder and suicide. She highlighted the importance of evidence, including photographs and autopsy results, affirming that forensic science can explain all internal injuries.