Prachin buri: The national police chief is making efforts to clear up a misunderstanding between the family of Nong Mei regarding the involvement of an opposing party, now a police officer, in a past incident.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Gen. Kittirat Panphet, the national police chief, addressed the case involving Phakphong Tanyakan, also known as Nong Mei, a first-year military preparatory student who mysteriously died in 2017 after being disciplined by senior military students. One of these seniors is now serving as a police officer in the Northeast. Pol. Gen. Kittirat emphasized his intention to meet with Nong Mei’s parents to explain police procedures and address their concerns.
Pol. Gen. Kittirat clarified that during the time of the incident, the opposing party was not a police officer but was under the Royal Thai Army Headquarters. Hence, the Police Act of 2022 allows disciplinary action only for those already in police service at the time of the offense. He has directed the National Police Inspector General to review the case, considering the connection between disciplinary and criminal matters, given the current police status of the involved party.
Regarding coordination with the Royal Thai Army for disciplinary action, Pol. Gen. Kittirat indicated that gathering evidence and examining criminal case details is underway. Discussions with Nong Mei’s family will also guide the proceedings. The National Police Office is committed to a thorough examination of all witness statements and case details.
On public concerns about the involved party’s past behavior and current police role, Pol. Gen. Kittirat assured that ethics are a core principle, and the National Police Commissioner will evaluate disciplinary actions from all perspectives. Additionally, Nong Mei’s family has the option to pursue this matter in civil court.
In response to Nong Mei’s family filing a lawsuit against the first autopsy doctor over missing organs, Pol. Gen. Kittirat has tasked the National Police Inspector with reviewing this matter as well.