3-10-2024 (BANGKOK) In a shocking development that has reignited concerns over military training practices in Thailand, new allegations have surfaced regarding the death of a soldier during a training exercise. The case, which involves Private First Class Sirawat of the Naval Police Department, has prompted calls for a thorough investigation and renewed scrutiny of the armed forces.
On 3 October 2024, Mr Chirat Thongsuwan, a Chachoengsao MP from the Prachachon Party and spokesman for the House of Representatives Military Affairs Committee, received a distressing complaint that challenges the official narrative surrounding Private Sirawat’s death on 2 July.
The complaint, brought forward by Ms Nichanan Wangkhahat, a former Move Forward Party candidate for Chonburi MP, and Ms Panita Thongchem, the deceased soldier’s sister, paints a harrowing picture of alleged abuse during training.
According to a fellow soldier’s account, Private Sirawat was subjected to gruelling training under the Military Police Department. The soldier reportedly struggled during a demanding running exercise, appearing unstable and dizzy before collapsing onto an instructor’s leg.
What allegedly followed was a disturbing display of brutality. The instructor is accused of kicking Private Sirawat in the leg and ribs with combat boots and slapping him in the face, dismissing his condition as mere playacting. The injured soldier was then purportedly left to “dry in the sun” in front of the flagpole without receiving any medical attention.
The situation took a tragic turn when, hours later, Private Sirawat was found in distress and rushed to hospital, but sadly succumbed on the way.
Adding weight to these allegations, Ms Nichanan revealed that an autopsy report from the Police General Hospital noted broken ribs, though it remained inconclusive whether these injuries resulted from CPR attempts or other causes. The testimony of 165 fellow soldiers reportedly corroborates the account of abuse.
Mr Chirat expressed his commitment to bringing this matter before the Military Committee and summoning all involved parties for questioning. He highlighted the frustration with previous cases involving the Army, where information was withheld from investigators.
“It’s deeply regrettable that all three individuals who have lodged complaints were volunteer conscripts,” Mr Chirat stated. He emphasised the urgent need to address the recurring pattern of fatalities during military training, questioning why fainting incidents in military camps so often lead to deaths.
