Bangkok: The infamous case involving former Police Colonel Thitisawan, known as "Joe," has resurfaced following his death at Klong Prem Prison, where he was serving a life sentence. The case, which shocked the nation four years ago, involved the use of a black bag during the interrogation of a drug suspect, leading to the suspect's death and ending Joe's career as a promising police officer.
According to Thai News Agency, Thitisawan, the former chief of Mueang Nakhon Sawan Police Station, was sentenced alongside six others for their involvement in the death of Mr. Jirapong, also known as Mawin. A video clip showing the assault was pivotal evidence in this landmark case concerning torture by state officials.
The incident began on August 5, 2021, when Nakhon Sawan City Police arrested a couple with 100,000 methamphetamine pills. A bribe negotiation failed, leading to the tragic event where Mawin was suffocated with a black bag. The aftermath saw the release of his female counterpart under duress to maintain silence about the incident.
The next day, an autopsy by Sawang Pracharak Hospital attributed Mawin's death to amphetamine poisoning. However, a clip surfaced on Facebook by Lawyer Sittra Biabangkerd, showing the fatal interrogation method used by Joe, prompting a disciplinary investigation and subsequent arrests.
On June 8, 2022, the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct initially sentenced Joe to death, later reduced to life imprisonment. His accomplices received similar sentences, while Pol. Lt. Suphakon received a reduced sentence of 5 years and 4 months for improper conduct.
Beyond the criminal proceedings, Joe's wealth came under scrutiny, leading the NACC to indict him for unusual wealth accumulation, with assets worth over 1,358 million baht potentially being seized as state property, pending court decision.