Thai Army Recruit Allegedly Beaten to Death for Waking Up Late

April 5, 2017

The devastated mother of a Thai army conscript who met an untimely death was told that her son was killed just because he woke up late.

Now, Renu Mhodrakee said her family awaits justice for son Private Yuthinan Boonniam, The Nation reported.

Yuthinan, who was due to complete his service in October, was still in good condition on March 16. He was then imprisoned on March 27, and four days later, he was found beaten in the hospital.

Renu recalled, “I have been told that my son was punished just because he woke up late and failed to attend the morning line-up. I have heard that he had a conflict with another soldier, but he was never in any trouble during his time in the service until now.”

The incident allegedly occurred at Vibhavadi Rangsit Military Camp in Surat Thani, where Yuthinan was serving.

“I really don’t know what happened and I can’t imagine what they did to my son during that time. I want justice for my son and I will not cremate his body until the case is concluded,” Renu added.

In response, the army established a committee to investigate the case. Lt-General Piyawat Nakwanich, commander of the Fourth Army Region, explained:

“Right now we are preparing the proper funeral for Private Yuthinan to satisfy his family and then we will investigate the offence in this case to determine the culpability of all suspects. I promise they will be punished properly based on criminal and military law.”

So far, several conscripts have beem detained and over 10 witnesses were questioned. Investigators also looked at the possibility of Yuthinan getting into a conflict with Surat Thani teenagers. According to The Nation, some suspects were already punished.

Authorities insisted that Yuthinan’s death “is not linked to the military conscription” and that the Army vows to “take good care of every draftee.”

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