Bangkok: A woman has lodged a complaint with the Defense Minister, alleging that her husband, a sergeant, had subjected her to years of physical abuse. Despite reporting the abuse to her superiors, the only consequence faced by her husband was a requirement to perform 50 push-ups, after which the matter was dismissed without further action. The Director-General of the Defense Ministry has confirmed that an investigation committee will be established to address the complaint. In the event that the complainant is found guilty, she will face appropriate consequences, highlighting a lack of protection for victims.
According to Thai News Agency, the complainant, accompanied by Ms. Chalida Phalamatt (Ton Or Pen-Nung), visited the Ministry of Defense to deliver a letter to the Minister. The letter detailed her husband’s violent behavior, which has persisted despite her attempts to seek justice through her superiors. Ms. Chalida emphasized the need for government agencies to prioritize the safety of military familie
s and address issues of domestic violence.
The complainant, referred to as Ms. A, described her husband’s history of physical abuse and gambling addiction. She recounted instances where her husband’s relatives also assaulted her while he stood by without intervening. Her repeated attempts to report the abuse to her employer and the police have been met with indifference, leaving her feeling marginalized and without recourse.
Ms. A expressed her frustration over the lack of support for victims and demanded her husband’s dismissal from the civil service. She attributed his violent behavior to a lack of discipline, as he was hired through a referral rather than educational qualifications.
Following the submission of the complaint, Lt. Col. Thapana Uraiwan received the letter to initiate the necessary proceedings. Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Nattapol Kerdchuchuen, Director-General of the Finance Department of the Ministry of Defence, assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted. He has instructed the serge
ant to return the complainant’s mobile phone and mandated that he stay at the Finance Department during the investigation, while the complainant returns to her residence.