Tawee oversees the investigation into the death of Superintendent Jo

The family of ""Superintendent Jo" is skeptical about the cause of his death, not believing it was a suicide by hanging. During their visit yesterday, he appeared calm and even discussed future plans. He also revealed that he was being investigated for disciplinary action.

Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong, arrived at the Klong Prem Central Prison on Saturday (March 8, 2025) to oversee the fact-finding investigation into the death of Pol Col Thitisan Utthanaphon, 43 , also known as "Superintendent Jo," inside the prison. Initial reports suggest that it was a suicide by hanging.

Before entering the prison, Tawee stated that he had received a report from the Director-General of the Department of Corrections about Thitisan's death around midnight. He instructed the Director-General to notify the police and the deceased’s relatives, as well as to make a public statement to communicate with the public.

Since the death is alleged to be a suicide, which is considered an unnatural death, an autopsy is required. The case will be referred to the court for investigation. The court will look into who caused the death, where it occurred, how it happened, and the circumstances surrounding the death. 

Tawee emphasized that he wanted to ensure transparency in the matter, which is why he was there to review all the details. He added that the autopsy should be conducted quickly before the body is released.

Minister confirmed that the prison is equipped with CCTV cameras and that the inmate was placed in solitary confinement due to anxiety disorder or health issues. However, he has not yet seen the details regarding the specific nature of the mental health condition.

Regarding the possibility of physical assault, he stated that an investigation is required before making any conclusions. He has not yet received a report indicating any conflict between the deceased and the prison guards.



Regarding the report from the deceased’s family about alleged physical assault, which the investigators have not yet been able to follow up on, Tawee said that he needs to review the facts first. If there was indeed an assault, an investigation would be conducted. As for the complaint letter submitted by the family on February 26, 2025, Tawee mentioned that he had not yet seen it either.

Weerasak Nakin, the lawyer representing Thitisan, stated that the family is currently waiting for the autopsy process to be completed, which will involve prosecutors, police, and medical professionals, before the body is sent to the forensic department at Thammasat University Hospital today.The lawyer revealed that on March 7, 2025, Thitisan's family visited him. They discussed the case and his plans for the future after his release from prison. During the conversation, Thitisan showed no signs of stress or indications that he intended to take his own life. Thitisan mentioned that the prison was going to call him for a disciplinary hearing, which was related to his behavior towards the guards.

Regarding the physical assault, Thitisan had authorized his lawyer to file a police report on January 14, 2025, claiming he was assaulted. His girlfriend and family also provided statements to the police, and there was a medical certificate from the Department of Corrections confirming "bruising from a blunt object" on his left ribcage. In addition to filing the police report, the family has submitted a complaint to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), the Klong Prem Central Prison, and the Department of Corrections.

The family noted that they have not received any response regarding the assault complaint. Previously, in February, police visited Thitisan to inquire about the incident, but the investigation was not conducted because the prison did not allow the lawyer and family to participate. As a result, the police sent a letter to the prison requesting that the family and lawyer be present during the questioning, but they have yet to receive a response from the prison.



Back in August 5, 2021, when officers from Nakhon Sawan City Police Station arrested two drug suspects, a man and a woman, and seized over 100,000 methamphetamine pills.

Both suspects were interrogated at the police station, where reports indicated that officers demanded a 2-million-baht bribe. However, the suspects offered only 1 million baht, which was rejected, leading to the male suspect being tortured.

CCTV footage from that day showed officers placing a black plastic bag over the male suspect’s head, suffocating him to death.

Investigations revealed that seven officers, including Pol. Col. Thitisan Uttanaphon, were involved. They were charged with four serious offenses, including murder by torture or cruel treatment.

The Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases initially sentenced Thitisan and five other defendants to death.

However, their sentences were reduced to life imprisonment due to their attempts to provide first aid, transport the victim to the hospital, and compensate his family. The parents of the deceased each received 300,000 baht, totaling 600,000 baht.

Another officer received an eight-year prison sentence, later reduced to five years and four months.

(2025/03/08-00:00)