Niece of dead soldier pushes for captain’s suspension
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The niece of Private Wichien Pheuksom, who was allegedly beaten to death in a Narathiwat boot camp in 2011, has urged Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha to suspend Captain Phuri Pheksophol. Nine other officers have already been suspended.
Narissarawan Kaewnopparat submitted her petition to the premier at Government House’s Public Service Centre yesterday. She said she also planned to make the same request to Deputy Prime Minister General Prawit Wongsuewan, who is also defence minister, and Army commander-in-chief General Theerachai Nakawanich if Phuri continues to serve in the Army.
Phuri was the commander in charge during the period when Wichien was beaten to death for alleged desertion.
The officers have been accused of violating Criminal Code Article 157, which bars officers from wrongfully exercising authority to cause injury; Article 290, causing a person’s death by inflicting injury without intent; and Military Criminal Code 1930 Article 30.
