Bangkok: The deputy director-general of the Department of Corrections has announced a 30-day time frame to investigate the circumstances surrounding the case of “Former Police Colonel Joe.” As a senior police cadet, he has emphasized that he will not allow the former police chief to die in vain, promising a thorough investigation into all issues concerning the prison guards involved.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Col. Chain Kanchanaphat, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Corrections, addressed a complaint filed by the mother of former Superintendent Joe. The Department of Corrections, while not denying the complaint, forwarded it for standard procedural handling. The investigation committee, led by the Inspector-General, was established, but a second complaint experienced delays due to a change in prison command. Further, the deceased’s lawyer accused the Department of Corrections of obstructing police inspections following a complaint filed at the Prachachuen Metropolitan Police Station on January 14, 2025. Pol. Lt. Col. Chain explained that such procedures require approval from the prison commander to manage potential chaos due to the large inmate population.
In response to the situation, Mr. Sitthiphon was transferred from his role as head of the control unit in Zone 7 to the administrative department by Mr. Sahakan Petcharin, Director-General of the Department of Corrections. This move aims to ensure transparency in the fact-finding process, which involves a committee of 7-8 external members, including representatives from the Royal Thai Police, the Institute of Forensic Medicine, and the Department of Provincial Administration. The committee will explore all facets of the case, including altercations involving Mr. Thitisak Uthanaphon, or former Superintendent Joe, and the cause of his death. The investigation is scheduled for a 30-day period, with the possibility of extension if required.
While no prior complaints were found against Mr. Sutthiphon, the investigation will also examine allegations of support from Department of Corrections executives. On the incident day, Mr. Sitthiphon was questioned and found to have acted non-aggressively, despite strict adherence to protocol with former Superintendent Joe due to his conflicts with other inmates.
Former Superintendent Joe’s rebellious behavior is believed to stem from his police background and interactions with criminal inmates, leading to conflicts. Tobacco and obscene media have been identified as potential triggers for the altercation, with both inmates and guards held accountable if such items are discovered.
Pol. Lt. Col. Chain expressed sympathy for the deceased’s family, who visited Joe twice weekly over three years. As a former senior at the Royal Police Cadet Academy, he vowed to uncover the truth through the fact-finding committee.
The report also differentiates between solitary confinement in Klong Prem Prison, other prisons, and Supermax facilities in Thailand. Supermax is stricter, housing high-risk inmates who violate rules, while solitary confinement serves as a disciplinary measure. Inmates in solitary confinement are subject to mental health assessments to prevent self-harm, with medication administered by guards as prescribed by psychiatrists.
