Bangkok: A suspect involved in a robbery and assault case died in a holding cell at Min Buri Police Station. The police chief has initiated an investigation into potential negligence by the duty officer and a review of security measures for detainees.

According to Thai News Agency, forensic officers and a pathologist from the Police Hospital inspected the detention cell after the report of the suspect's death. The deceased, identified as Mr. Pornwisnu, was wanted on an arrest warrant for robbery and had allegedly assaulted his 31-year-old girlfriend. The girlfriend had sought assistance from Mr. Kongtree Thanakrit Chittraareerat, the secretary to the Minister of Social Development and Human Security, the previous day.

Pol. Col. Somphot Thongmoon, superintendent of Min Buri Police Station, stated that after gathering evidence, Min Buri police obtained an arrest warrant from the court. The investigative team located the suspect at a convenience store in the Rom Klao area of Lat Krabang District, Bangkok, apprehending him at 7:30 PM with a firearm. He was handed over to investigators at 8:30 PM and placed in a holding cell at 1:30 AM. The duty officer discovered him dead at 5:55 AM.

Pol. Col. Somphot explained that the suspect appeared stressed and claimed he was not taking his psychiatric medication. He affirmed that during interrogation, no pressure or physical harm was applied, and the entire process was recorded on video. Evidence suggests the suspect used his trousers to harm himself while the other detainee in the cell was asleep.

Security protocols for detainees have been a priority due to similar incidents occurring frequently. Duty officers and crime suppression personnel routinely inspect detention cells, and numerous CCTV cameras are installed.

A committee has been set up to investigate whether the officer on duty was negligent. This afternoon, relatives of the deceased met with police, and the superintendent personally addressed their concerns. The police will gather evidence regarding the deceased's psychiatric treatment and discuss any concerns with the family. Initially, the relatives did not express concerns about the cause of death. The police have ordered a review of security measures and extended condolences to the family.