In a landmark ruling under Thailand’s anti-torture legislation, the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases Region 2 has sentenced two military instructors and eleven senior conscripts to prison for their roles in the death of a young army recruit in 2023.
The case marks the first use of the Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act, enacted in 2022, and underscores a shift in how the country’s legal system is addressing abuse within military institutions.
Woraprat Patmasakul, a conscript assigned to the 3rd Infantry Battalion at Nawamin Camp in Chon Buri province, died in August 2023 following repeated assaults that left him with severe internal injuries, including broken ribs, lung punctures, and spinal trauma. Medical reports confirmed he succumbed to these injuries shortly after being hospitalized.
Investigations revealed that the 22-year-old had been subjected to multiple instances of physical abuse. The court determined that the first instructor, who was present during the final assault, was primarily responsible and sentenced him to 20 years in prison. A second instructor received a 15-year sentence. Eleven senior conscripts who assisted in the abuse were each given 10-year prison terms.
While the court’s decision sets a precedent in applying Thailand’s new anti-torture law, the sentencing has drawn criticism from the victim’s family. The mother of the deceased expressed her intent to appeal, stating that the punishment handed down fails to correspond to the gravity of the crime.
Military officials and legal representatives were present during the court proceedings, which were closely watched by human rights observers and media outlets.
