Bangkok: The family of former Police Colonel Thitisan Uthanaphon, also known as Superintendent Joe, has provided additional information to the prosecutor regarding his death in Klong Prem Central Prison. The information was delivered by his sister, Ms. Thananya Uthanaphon, and his mother, accompanied by their personal lawyer, Mr. Wirasak Nakin. The family expressed their desire to follow a religious path while remaining ready to cooperate with all parties involved in the investigation.
According to Thai News Agency, the meeting took place at the Investigation Office of the Attorney General on Borommaratchachonnani Road. During this meeting, Ms. Thananya, dressed in black, conveyed that the family is focused on following the Dhamma path and expressed their willingness to cooperate fully with the legal process. The subcommittee on screening facts related to torture and enforced disappearances has postponed its conclusion on the case pending autopsy results and forensic analysis.
The investigation into possible physical assault in prison is ongoing, as preliminary findings suggest a basis for the claim in accordance with the Enforced Disappearance Act. However, Ms. Thananya refrained from providing detailed comments on the investigation. The family has yet to make a decision regarding the cremation of Superintendent Joe’s body, with plans to communicate any developments in due course.
Mr. Wirasak Nakin stated that the autopsy results from the Department of Forensic Medicine at Chulalongkorn Hospital are still pending. Authorities are waiting for these results to move forward with the investigation.
Pol Maj Gen Jessada Suaysom, Commander of Metropolitan Police Division 2, reported that the police have gathered evidence and are working with the fact-finding subcommittee, chaired by the prosecutor, to determine whether the case falls under the Anti-Disappearance Act. While some forensic results have been obtained, they remain confidential pending further investigation.
The investigation also includes reviewing autopsy results, conversation clips from family visits, and CCTV footage. Forensic officers are verifying the authenticity of audio clips to determine whether they have been edited. All involved individuals within the prison have been questioned, and the prosecutor recently summoned prison officials for further information.
