Bangkok: The sister of former police chief Joe has made an appeal to the police to expedite the investigation into her brother's mysterious death, seeking justice after four months of stagnation. The cremation ceremony, held today, was marked by a somber atmosphere, attended by family and former colleagues.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Col. Thawee Sodsong, Minister of Justice, presided over the cremation of Mr. Thitisak Uthanaphon, also known as Superintendent Joe, at Wat Phra Sri Mahathat Woralaksa Maha Wihan. The body had been preserved for over four months, and the ceremony was attended by his grieving family, classmates, and former commanders, including Pol. Lt. Gen. Sommai Kongwisai, former commander of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, along with close associates.
Ms. Saranaya Utthanaphol, Director Joe's younger sister, expressed her concerns about the lack of progress in the investigation, despite her efforts with Director Joe's girlfriend to have the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) treat the case as a special one. She was informed by Pol. Col. Thawee that the responsibility lies with the police, who are currently processing the case. The DSI has not classified it as a special case.
Ms. Saranaya conveyed through the media her request for justice for her brother, emphasizing his contributions to the country as a policeman. She stated that her family is ready to accept a suicide conclusion if proven, but they seek to understand the underlying reasons. Due to the condition of the body after multiple autopsies over four months, the family decided to proceed with the cremation on Director Joe's birthday, aiming to preserve his memory.
Lawyer Weerasak Nakin disclosed that the family recently petitioned the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) regarding the unauthorized movement of Superintendent Joe's body by Corrections Department officials, as his death was considered unnatural. The NACC has taken up the case for review.
The autopsy results have been forwarded to the prosecutor by investigators from the Prachachuen Police Station. Regarding the Torture Act, the investigators have indicated the need for further questioning of the mother and younger sister, though no appointments have been scheduled yet.