Bangkok: The autopsy results for Pol. Col. Joe have determined that he died from asphyxiation resulting from self-harm. The findings revealed no bruises on the neck's tissue and muscles, leading his relatives to express satisfaction with the results. However, they have requested a second autopsy to be conducted at Chulalongkorn University's Institute of Forensic Medicine to compare findings. The cloth used to tie the body was consistent with the wound on the neck, being wider than the rope.
According to Thai News Agency, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Worawi Waiwut, Deputy Director of the Institute of Forensic Medicine, who conducted the autopsy, mentioned that the examination was attended by representatives of the relatives, a four-party autopsy committee, members from the administrative sector, prosecutors, and the screening subcommittee under the Anti-Abduction Act, who had obtained permission from the relatives to attend.
The results and initial examination of the area where the death occurred indicated that hanging was the cause of death, ruling out other forms of assault. Old bruises were found on the hips and back, and further tissue examination is ongoing to determine the timing of these bruises.
Inquiries regarding blood at the scene revealed that it might have emerged posthumously, resembling blood from the mouth or other orifices, or possibly from a wound. The new wounds were limited to a scratch on the arm, suggesting the fluid was body discharge, which the Forensic Science Division of the Royal Thai Police is currently analyzing.
Dr. Worawi emphasized that the autopsy results pointed to asphyxiation due to hanging, with no significant force or bruising under the neck or injuries to the larynx bones, supporting the notion of self-inflicted hanging.
The towel used to tie the neck was not directly observed, but the wound correlated with the cloth, which was wider than the rope by about 1.4 centimeters.
The fluid at the scene is speculated to be blood or another substance, pending forensic analysis. Blood was confirmed to have come from the mouth, and further tests on the deceased's nails are underway. Toxicology results will take 2-4 weeks. Relatives have expressed concerns about old bruises, which were not visible to the naked eye but were detected via CT scan.
Mr. Weerasak Nakin, the lawyer for Director Joe, stated that the family has sent the body for re-examination at Chulalongkorn University's forensic institute to compare findings. Although satisfied with the current autopsy, they wish to verify the cloth's results. The relatives are investigating whether to pursue action under Section 157, asserting that Director Joe consistently expressed a desire to be released from solitary confinement, raising concerns about the circumstances of his death.
Mr. Ratthawich Chitsucharitwong, Director of the Criminal Investigation Division, Department of Provincial Administration, who reviewed the site, noted the presence of torn cloth, possibly from efforts to assist Director Joe, and a few personal belongings. The forensic evidence team is analyzing the cloth.
Relatives have now moved Director Joe's body from the Institute of Forensic Medicine for a second autopsy at Chulalongkorn University's Institute of Forensic Medicine.