20-1-2024 (BANGKOK) Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has announced that the government will carefully consider the implications of imposing harsher legal penalties on young offenders engaged in serious crimes. This statement comes in response to growing calls for stringent measures after the horrific murder of a middle-aged woman, allegedly perpetrated by five teenagers aged 13 to 16 in Sa Kaeo’s Aranyaprathet district.
The suspects were caught on a security camera attacking 47-year-old Buaphan Tansu before confessing to her murder and disposing of her body in a pond on January 11. The teenagers are currently in custody in connection with the crime.
Speaking to reporters at Suvarnabhumi airport following his attendance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Prime Minister Srettha instructed the national police chief, Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol, to investigate the alleged misconduct of police officers at the Aranyaprathet district police station. These officers are accused of torturing Buaphan’s husband, Panya Khongsaenkham, 54, into falsely confessing to the murder.
The prime minister emphasized the need for transparency in the investigation, stating, “The police must produce the probe results and tell the public what really happened. The Royal Thai Police is duty-bound to win back public trust and take tough legal action against officers who committed wrongdoings.”
Addressing calls for stricter penalties for young offenders involved in serious crimes, particularly in the wake of recent incidents, Srettha expressed his intention to discuss the matter with the national police chief. The proposal for harsher penalties gained momentum after a 14-year-old boy’s shooting rampage at Siam Paragon in Bangkok on October 3, 2023, resulted in three deaths and four injuries.
Chaichana Detdacho, a Democrat Party MP, urged for tougher penalties for juvenile delinquents engaged in severe crimes. He pointed to the Aranyaprathet murder case, highlighting a chat history revealing the youths’ propensity for violence and likening them to a juvenile crime syndicate.
National police chief Pol Gen Torsak issued an apology for the alleged misconduct by the Aranyaprathet police officers and pledged a thorough investigation into the murder case. Deputy national police chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn also confirmed the authenticity of voice clips indicating that the police knew they had arrested the wrong suspect.
Senator Wallop Tungkananurak suggested the establishment of a multidisciplinary panel to assess the behavior of young offenders. If found intentionally involved in serious crimes, the panel should recommend stricter punishment, he proposed.
