A conscript was found dead at a military camp in Phitsanulok, according to the Cross-Cultural Foundation (CrCF) on Tuesday (11 November).

The CrCF said that it was notified by an Indigenous communities network that the conscript was found dead less than 10 days after the start of training. Speaking to the conscript’s family, the CrCF was told that according to a military officer, the conscript was found hanged. The family has questions about the cause of death and would like to know the truth.

Army spokesperson Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree said on Thursday (12 November) that the conscript was Rachen Yawamue from Chiang Mai, of the Training Unit of the 4^th Special Forces Regiment, 4^th Special Forces Division in Phitsanulok.

According to Maj Gen Winthai, the unit found that Rachen had previously been treated for a mental health condition at Suan prung Psychiatric Hospital in Chiang Mai. His medical records were forwarded to Fort Somdej Phranaresuan Maharaj Hospital so that his condition could be monitored by doctors. He also alleged that Rachen had a history of drug use before he was conscripted.

Maj Gen Winthai alleged that Rachen saw a doctor on 4 November, and that while at the hospital for another appointment on 10 November, he snuck out of the hospital, stole a motorcycle parked nearby, and left. He was subsequently arrested by the police, who informed the unit. Since he appeared drunk at the time, he was held in a detention room in the unit for the night.

The next morning, said Maj Gen Winthai, Rachen asked to go to the toilet. An officer in charge noticed that he was taking too long, and when he went to check the toilet, he found Rachen’s body. There was no trace of a struggle or assault.

The CrCF said that its lawyer observed Rachen’s autopsy as a representative of his family, along with officers from the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and military officers. Doctors concluded that he died by hanging. A full autopsy report will be submitted to the inquiry officer within 30 days, and the case may be forwarded to the public prosecutor as he died while in detention.

The CrCF said that Rachen’s death shows that there is a systemic issue that remains unsolved. It calls for an independent investigation both by the Army and authorized agencies under the Anti-Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act and for the results of the investigation to be released to the public.

The CrCF also calls on the Army to revise its procedures for detaining conscripts for disciplinary purposes The Army should carefully examine a conscript’s physical and mental condition to prevent all form of violence, including suicide, while in detention. It should also ensure that there is nothing in the detention room that a detainee can use for self-harm.

The Army and training units should bring in doctors, psychiatrists, or psychologists to perform mental health evaluations on conscripts to ensure that conscripts are treated properly during training and prevent future loss of life.

The CrCF noted that detaining conscripts as disciplinary action has led to violations of the Anti-Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act. It said that it should not be to the responsibility of the drill sergeants alone to impose disciplinary action on conscripts but of a committee. This is in line with human rights principles and the Army would be able to tell the family and society how it will prevent future losses. Inappropriate disciplinary action should also be punished.

The family should also be compensated as death in detention is a human right violation and the state, including the Army, is responsible for protecting the lives and safety of detainees.