Dead cadet’s family to pursue legal action

“We are not satisfied with the probe [by the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters],” Pichet Tanyakan said yesterday. 
His 18-year-old son, Phakhapong “Meay” Tanyakan, died in suspicious circumstances. In the days before his fatal acute cardiac arrest, he was exposed to improper punishment at the AFAPS. 
The inquiry, which started in response to an order from Supreme Commander General Thanchaiyan Srisuwan, confirmed that senior students inappropriately punished Phakhapong yet insisted that the cadet’s death was related to health problems – not the punishment. 
Phakhapong’s family yesterday met the chair of the committee that conducted the probe, ACM Chawarat Marungruang, to listen to explanations. Chawarat said the family had raised questions, particularly in regard to the cause of Phakhapong’s death and bruises found on his body. 
He said his committee members planned to further discuss the autopsy results provided by the Central Institute of Forensic Science and the opinions of doctors at the Phramongkutklao Hospital. The hospital conducted the first autopsy while the institute conducted a second. 
“The family has agreed that we should have more meetings,” Chawarat said. He added that the family had also expressed the wish to obtain a copy of the inquiry-result documents.
“Today’s meeting went well. We hope to present facts that prove acceptable to both sides,” Chawarat said.
However, after emerging from the meeting, Pichet said that he had still had some doubts about his son’s death and would take legal action. Phakhapong’s mother, Sukanya, said the same. 
Despite the scandal over Phakhapong’s death, the AFAPS – which has taught several Thai prime ministers, including the incumbent General Prayut Chan-o-cha – has remained a prestigious institute. 
Next Monday, it will celebrate its 60th anniversary, with Prayut, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwon and military chiefs expected to turn up to celebrate at their alma mater.