Bangkok: “Wirote” is set to reignite the campaign, “Hunting down soldiers to be put to civilian court,” originally championed by the Pheu Thai Party, following a Supreme Military Court ruling in the “Nong Mei case.” This case has spurred calls for the Prime Minister to sign the OPCAT convention, paving the way for the National Human Rights Commission and the United Nations to conduct investigations into military torture.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, a party-list MP of the Prachachon Party and chairman of the House of Representatives’ Military Affairs Committee, made an announcement after the Supreme Court’s verdict in the case of Mr. Phakphong Tanyakan, also known as Nong Mei. The first-year military cadet died after disciplinary actions by his seniors, leading to a sentence of 4 months and 16 days in prison, suspended for 2 years. The court’s decision was based on the belief that imprisonment would not be beneficial. The committee noted that the Tanyakan family is attempting to reopen the criminal case, and they aim to assist in gathering details and consulting the Ministry of Justice on the necessary steps and criteria for reopening the case.
Mr. Wiroj emphasized the necessity of amending the law to ensure that soldiers implicated in corruption are tried in the Criminal Court for Corruption. He highlighted that many cases of assault and torture within military camps are not related to discipline but rather stem from corruption and bullying, leading to severe injuries or deaths. He criticized military courts for perpetuating a culture of impunity and stressed the importance of civilian trials to restore trust in the military’s accountability.
He also pointed out the problematic culture within the military, where disagreements lead to legal repercussions, and the patronage system allows for leniency among ranks. Mr. Wiroj urged the Prime Minister to ratify the OPCAT, enabling investigative bodies to examine allegations of torture without prior military notification, asserting that such investigations would not compromise national security.
Mr. Wiroj criticized the leniency of the suspended sentence in the Nong Mei case and questioned the practice of allowing convicted individuals to continue serving in the military or police. He called on military commanders to reconsider such practices and urged for reform in the military justice system.
He also referenced the Pheu Thai Party’s past efforts to pass an Anti-Corruption Act, which aimed to subject soldiers to civilian trials but was ultimately rejected in the House of Representatives. Mr. Wiroj announced plans to launch a petition drive to revisit the issue and seek legislative action once again.
Mr. Chaiyapol Satondee, a Bangkok MP and spokesman for the Military Affairs Committee, expressed condolences to the victims’ families and questioned the fairness and effectiveness of military courts. He called for strict enforcement of military regulations and accountability for those who fail to adhere to them.
Mr. Ekkarat Udom-Amnuay, an MP for Bangkok and secretary of the committee, raised concerns about disproportionate punishments and the justice system’s treatment of victims’ families. He criticized the Military Court Act, which restricts civilian victims from directly suing the military, and called for an independent military court system with mechanisms for checks and balances, akin to civilian courts.
Mr. Ekarat also advocated for amendments to laws regarding torture and enforced disappearances, urging the government to establish consistent standards between military and civilian courts. He revealed that the People’s Party is pushing to remove the military court from the constitution, calling on the public to support these efforts.