Bangkok: The family of “former director Joe” has requested a meeting with a doctor to discuss the results of a second autopsy, seeking clarity on the circumstances surrounding his death. The Department of Corrections has issued a letter to clarify former Superintendent Joe’s death, while the family, alongside their lawyer, continues to question unresolved issues before proceeding with his religious rites this evening.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Chanta, the mother of Pol. Col. Thitisan Uthanaphon, known as ‘former Superintendent Joe,’ visited Chulalongkorn Hospital’s Forensic Science Building with her family and lawyer Mr. Wirasak Nakin to follow up on the second autopsy results. This comes after the body was initially examined at the Institute of Forensic Medicine, Ministry of Justice. Despite receiving the results, doubts remain, prompting the family to withhold comments to the media.
The lawyer conveyed that there are no new developments, with information unchanged from the previous day. The family has postponed funeral arrangements, hoping for more clarity from the latest autopsy, which initially indicated death by asphyxiation, suggesting it was self-inflicted. The body is expected to be moved for religious rites at Wat Phra Sri Mahathat Woramahawihan this afternoon, with ceremonies to continue until March 16. However, cremation will not proceed until there is certainty about the cause of death.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Jessada Suaysom, Commander of Metropolitan Police Division 2, confirmed that while no meeting is scheduled today at Prachachuen Police Station regarding the case, investigations into various aspects of the case have been ongoing for months. Key evidence, including forensic results, medical reports, and CCTV footage, are under thorough examination.
The Department of Corrections has released a letter addressing five additional points, stressing that former Superintendent Joe was not assaulted in prison. The letter details his medical treatment, a non-violent dispute with prison officers, and clarifies that he was not in solitary confinement. It also addresses allegations of bullying and unsanitary food, noting that medical assessments found no evidence of physical assault and that dietary standards are maintained.
The letter also addresses concerns about towels found at the scene, confirming standard issue dimensions and colors. The Department is awaiting official autopsy results and assures transparency in the investigation, with a fact-finding committee established, including external agencies, to ensure accountability. The Department of Corrections reiterated that no officers or inmates were involved in harming or causing Joe’s death, supported by CCTV footage showing no irregularities during the critical time frame. Any misuse of power by officers will be met with decisive legal action.
