Six soldiers jailed for beating soldier to death
In most recent of several military abuse cases to make it to mainstream & social media, six non-commissioned officers (NCOs) beat a recruit to death.
In most recent of several military abuse cases to make it to mainstream & social media, six non-commissioned officers (NCOs) beat a recruit to death.
MILITARY
Soldier beaten to death
Camp beating leaves 1 private dead, 1 hurt
6/04/2016
Wassana Nanuam
The army on Wednesday jailed six soldiers 30-45 days who allegedly colluded to beat two privates in Yala on Friday, leaving one dead and the other seriously injured.
WHAT HAPPENED?
According to Pvt Chatpisut Chumphan, 23, who spoke to police after the beating, he and Pvt Songtham Mudmad, 23, accused one of the non-commissioned officers (NCOs), who would later beat them, of stealing their money.
The accused officer made a counter - claim, accusing Pvt Songtham of taking illegal drugs.
Both privates asked to search the officer, but he refused, leading to a brawl. The soldiers dispersed after other officers intervened.
BEATEN TO DEATH BY SIX OFFICERS
About 9pm, both were allegedly attacked by six officers including the officer they accused of theft. They were kicked and beaten with hard objects.
The assault lasted until 4am the next morning. Pvt Chatpisut found Pvt Songtham, who passed out during the incident, and subsequently stopped breathing.
Pvt Songtham was revived by CPR and taken to hospital but pronounced dead on Monday morning.
PUNISHMENT
One sub-lieutenant was jailed 30 days, five other non-commissioned officers (NCOs) (corporals, private first class) were imprisoned 45 days.
Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon said the suspects could face more punishment, including military discharge. He added that the relatives of the victims could file lawsuits and that the military and police will conduct the investigation jointly as it involves criminal matters.
Army spokesman Winthai Suvaree said on Tuesday that a military panel had concluded the six officers colluded in the assault on the privates. He insisted the army will not protect the offenders and harsh punishment will be brought against them.
Pvt Songtham's family on Tuesday filed at a local police station against the officers who beat the private to death.
ANNUAL MILITARY CONSCRIPTION
Every year Thailand has a military draft (annual military conscription) in which young Thai men are selected for two years of military service.
Exemptions are given for some medical conditions and high school military training (known as ROTC in the US).
This year the needs around 100,000 recruits to serve as privates.
For some young men serving in the military is a hardship, but in some areas the annual contribution of recruits is filled mainly by volunteers who value the free place to live (accommodation) and steady income as well as the prestige sometimes associated with serving in the military.
NOT THE FIRST TIME
Several cases of abuse of draftees during their conscription period have made their way to social media and mainstream media.
Last month, a recruit was beaten up by two soldiers and had his jaw broken in Nakhon Si Thammarat province.
In a high-profile 2011 case, several officers beat the new recruit Whichian Phuaksom who had recently left the monkhood to death in Narathiwat province (for more info read detailed Spectrum article here).
Video clips of recruits being abused have been shared on social media.
This increased exposure of the public to the reality of abusive behaviour has led to a debate on the issue and calls for reform.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/security/922753/six-soldiers-jailed-for-beating-of-yala-privates
http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.php?newsid=1459772197§ion=14
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