Army Spokesperson Confirms Forensic Examination Found No Spoon in Deceased Soldier’s Body

Bangkok: The Army spokesperson revealed the results of the forensic examination, stating that no spoon was found in the body of the deceased soldier. They affirmed that such an incident has never occurred before in the world, and indicated that society and political parties have the right to raise questions, but the Army has a duty to explain based on clear scientific evidence from the examination results.

According to Thai News Agency, Major General Winthai Suwari, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Army, addressed public suspicions regarding the spoon found in the ashes of Private Petcharat Kamlangying, a member of the 2nd Artillery Regiment, Royal Guard, stationed at Phrom Yothi Camp in Prachinburi Province, after his cremation. Concerns were raised that the spoon might have been inside the body and not in his clothing as previously stated. He confirmed that a medical autopsy, including X-rays and other scientific tests, revealed no foreign objects and that the cause of death was heart failure. Furthermore, the physical examination showed no signs of assault. He also confirmed that no first aid was administered despite Private Petcharat experiencing a seizure before his death, adding that heart failure often occurs suddenly, but the unit transported him to the hospital immediately.

It is confirmed that in addition to forensic test results, it is also important to consider statements from those around the deceased, especially the fellow soldiers who were imprisoned with him, who confirmed that there was no fighting or physical abuse among them.

Regarding the public's question about why soldiers carry spoons, Major General Winthai stated that during training periods, meals are sometimes eaten outside the unit, requiring the use of personal spoons. This is a customary practice in many units, including this one. However, he emphasized that this is a separate issue. The important thing is to determine and confirm the cause of death, whether it was natural or not, because the death of a soldier is a loss for the Royal Thai Army, and therefore this matter must be given serious attention.

When asked whether a re-examination would be conducted given the current public outcry, Major General Winthai confirmed that the autopsy results are already available and have been properly documented. Regarding concerns about foreign objects in the body, he stated that X-ray results confirm this, and the investigation process followed legal procedures. He explained that, normally, deaths under unnatural circumstances would involve a different procedure. Therefore, he affirmed that the medical findings are clear and conclusive. However, the unit needs to verify the testimony of several individuals, and there is no apparent conflicting information. He noted that, especially since the deceased and the group of soldiers lived together, there are numerous witnesses. Furthermore, the suspicion of an object being placed inside the body is unprecedented; such an act of violence, involving the insertion of a foreign object, particularly a spoon, is unlikely to easily enter the body.

However, the army spokesperson stated that in this case, society has the right to question the situation, similar to the case where a political party attacked the army, which might be seen as a form of discrediting. He believes there may not have been such an intention; it might have stemmed from a misunderstanding. The army has a duty to clarify the facts, but he affirmed that all army personnel are considered family members. If anything happens, the army will be concerned as well. For example, in cases of fighting or bullying among soldiers or by groups of non-commissioned officers, using inappropriate punishment as justification, both the unit and the army will take full action to ensure justice for the victims. This is in line with the policy consistently emphasized by the Army Commander-in-Chief: all personnel must be considered close friends and partners in life.