The Army Spokesperson revealed that the forensic examination found no spoon in the body of Private Petcharat Kamlangying

Today (23 Feb) 9:00 am At the Royal Thai Air Force Headquarters, Major General Winthai Suwaree, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Army, addressed public suspicions regarding the spoon found in the ashes of Private Petcharat Kamlangying, a soldier from the 2nd Artillery Regiment, Royal Guard, Prachinburi Province, after his cremation. He confirmed that the autopsy, including X-rays and other scientific examinations, confirmed the absence of any foreign objects and that the cause of death was heart failure. The physical examination revealed no signs of bruising or assault. It was also confirmed that no first aid was administered when Private Petcharat suffered a seizure before his death. It was noted that heart failure often occurs suddenly, but the unit immediately transported him to the hospital. It was emphasized that in addition to forensic results, testimony from those around him, especially his fellow soldiers who were incarcerated with him, is crucial. They confirmed there were no arguments or physical abuse.

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

When asked if there would be a reinvestigation due to current public concerns, Major General Winthai stated that the autopsy results are already available and have been properly documented. Regarding concerns about foreign objects in the body, X-ray results confirm this, and the forensic investigation process followed legal procedures. Normally, in cases of unnatural death, a different procedure would be followed. Therefore, in this case, the medical findings are clear and conclusive. However, the unit needs to verify the evidence through witness testimonies. The source of any discrepancies is unclear, especially since this case involves soldiers living together in a group, resulting in numerous witnesses. Regarding the suspicion of an object being placed inside the body, such an incident is unprecedented worldwide—the insertion of a foreign object, particularly a spoon, which is unlikely to easily enter the body.

Major General Winthai reiterated that society has the right to question this case. Similarly, regarding the political party's attacks on the Royal Thai Army, which may be perceived as discrediting, he believes there may not have been such intent; it may have stemmed from a misunderstanding. The Royal Thai Army has a duty to clarify the facts, but he affirms that all Royal Thai Army personnel are considered family members. If anything happens, the Army will be deeply concerned. For example, in cases of fighting or bullying among soldiers or by groups of non-commissioned officers using appropriate punishment as justification, the unit and the Royal Thai Army will take full action to ensure justice for the victims. In particular, the policy that the Army Commander has always emphasized is that all personnel must be considered close friends and lifelong companions in their work together.