Bangkok: "Thawee" confirms "Pol. Col. Joe" died in prison. Reports show he was a psychiatric patient. Preparing to expand the investigation into relatives' complaints of physical assault.
According to Thai News Agency, at 09.45 on March 8, in front of Klong Prem Central Prison, Pol. Col. Thawee Sodsong, Minister of Justice, disclosed the case of the death of Pol. Col. Thitisan Uthanaphon, or Director Joe. Thawee revealed he had received a report from the Director-General of the Department of Corrections before midnight stating that Director Joe died by hanging himself from the bars of a separate cell. It remains unclear whether he used his own shirt or a towel. The decision to place Director Joe in solitary confinement stemmed from reports of paranoia and self-harm, indicating he was a psychiatric patient.
Addressing the news of alleged problems with prison officers, including physical assault and relatives filing complaints twice, Thawee mentioned he was unaware of these details. Reports suggest that the prison did not permit investigators to inspect the incident scene, and relatives have lodged a formal complaint about the assault with the relevant agency. Thawee emphasized that the facts need to be thoroughly investigated and disclosed to the public.