Chonburi: The court ruled on the case of two instructors and 13 fellow conscripts who were appointed instructors for attacking and killing Private Ne, aged 18, with the court sentencing the instructors to a maximum of 20 years in prison.

According to Thai News Agency, Lawyer Kerdphol Kaewkerd posted about the verdict in the case of Nong Nae or Private First Class Woraprach Patmasakul, 18 years old, a conscript soldier in the new soldier training unit of the 3rd Infantry Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, Royal Guard. He was assaulted by 13 instructors and assistant instructors less than three months after being drafted into the army on June 21, 2024, resulting in serious injuries that led to his death on August 2, 2024. The injuries included a swollen brain, broken ribs on both sides, ruptured and punctured lungs, a broken collarbone, and a broken spine.

The prosecutor filed a lawsuit against the 13 trainers and assistant trainers for jointly causing harm resulting in death, under the Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Prevention of Enforced Disappearances Act. The Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases Region 2 concluded that the defendants were involved in the brutal assault and killing of the soldier.

The plaintiff presented credible evidence supported by eyewitness testimony from new soldiers and conscripts in the camp who witnessed the incident. Despite the defendants’ denial without explanation, the court accepted their involvement in the crime. Defendant 1 received a 20-year sentence, defendant 2 received 15 years, and defendants 3 to 13 each received 10 years.

The parents of the deceased soldier expressed concerns about the verdict, believing the first defendant’s sentence was insufficient. They plan to appeal, and Lawyer Kornphol intends to file a civil lawsuit against the Royal Thai Army to claim compensation in accordance with the law.