Bangkok: The Institute of Forensic Science has issued a clarification following a lawsuit filed by "Tangmo's mother" under Section 157 of the Criminal Code. The lawsuit accuses the institute of neglecting its official duties by failing to provide image files in the high-profile "Tangmo case" to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) for examination. This move is considered a potential turning point in the ongoing case.
According to Thai News Agency, the Institute of Forensic Science, under the Ministry of Justice, has detailed the progress of their proceedings. Firstly, the institute emphasized that it has adhered strictly to legal procedures by delivering the autopsy report, forensic evidence, and all related documents to the investigating officer and the public prosecutor for inclusion in the case file. This includes the second autopsy report that was previously provided to the requesting party, with a court judgment issued on May 23, 2025.
Furthermore, the institute stated that when additional information is requested to support other procedures, they will proceed in accordance with regulations, ensuring accuracy and transparency under the Forensic Science Services Act B.E. 2559. Any disclosure of case information must pass through a screening process and receive approval from the Forensic Science Services Oversight Committee.
The timeline for the operation was clarified as follows: a request for copies of photographic evidence and preliminary data recording forms for photography was submitted to the Forensic Services Committee meeting on January 19, 2026. The committee tasked the institute with collecting and presenting further details for consideration. The institute has since received additional information from the petitioner and is currently presenting the matter to the committee for expedited consideration. The results will be communicated to the petitioner as soon as possible. The Institute of Forensic Science reiterated its commitment to professional ethics and integrity, ensuring justice for all citizens based on scientific principles.
Earlier, Ms. Phanida Sirayutthayothin, Tangmo's mother, along with Mr. Panthep Puapongsak, President of the Guardians of the Land Foundation, submitted evidence to the DSI that supports their claim that Tangmo's death was not an accident. They argue that evidence clearly shows Tangmo was not on the boat at 10:32 PM, despite a photograph showing five people. They also dispute that the long, deep wound on Tangmo's inner right thigh is consistent with a propeller injury. Despite their requests for the original color photographic files from the Institute of Forensic Science, they have not received them after nearly a year. The institute maintains that the request is still under review, prompting the legal action under Section 157 and the institute's subsequent statement on the matter.