Authorities in Thailand are investigating the death of Thitisan Utthanaphon, the former police chief convicted for the torture and death of a drug suspect, after concerns were raised regarding the circumstances surrounding his passing.
Former Thai Police Chief Found Dead in Jail After Torture Conviction
Former Thai Police Chief Found Dead in Jail After Torture Conviction
A preliminary autopsy suggests that Thitisan Utthanaphon, nicknamed 'Joe Ferrari', died by suicide in a Bangkok prison.
In a disturbing turn of events, Thitisan Utthanaphon, known as 'Joe Ferrari' due to his fleet of luxury vehicles, was discovered dead in his Bangkok jail cell, with preliminary autopsy results indicating a suicide. Three years prior, Thitisan had been sentenced to life in prison after a gruesome interrogation video went viral, showcasing his brutal treatment of a 24-year-old drug suspect. This footage sparked significant public outrage over police brutality in Thailand, bringing renewed attention to the case after Thitisan's death.
The Thai justice ministry has initiated an investigation into the circumstances of Thitisan’s death following claims from his family suggesting he did not take his own life. They raised concerns over a potential assault by prison staff and reported being denied access to view his body after it was found. Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong has called for transparency in the investigation, emphasizing the need to disclose all evidence related to Thitisan's passing.
Thitisan’s luxurious lifestyle, marked by the ownership of numerous luxury sports cars, was exposed during a raid on his residence. Despite a monthly police salary of roughly $1,000, he was found to possess at least 42 high-end automobiles, including a rare Lamborghini Aventador Anniversario valued at around $1.45 million.
Besides Thitisan, five other officers involved in the case were also sentenced to life imprisonment in 2022 for their roles in the suspect’s murder. Thitisan had voluntarily surrendered in 2021 amid a manhunt and faced various personal issues, including anxiety and sleep troubles, as noted by prison authorities. His family had visited him on the day of his death, and staff claimed there were no irregularities observed.
Further investigations are underway to ascertain the truth behind Thitisan's death, and as the situation develops, the public remains vigilant regarding police accountability in Thailand.
The Thai justice ministry has initiated an investigation into the circumstances of Thitisan’s death following claims from his family suggesting he did not take his own life. They raised concerns over a potential assault by prison staff and reported being denied access to view his body after it was found. Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong has called for transparency in the investigation, emphasizing the need to disclose all evidence related to Thitisan's passing.
Thitisan’s luxurious lifestyle, marked by the ownership of numerous luxury sports cars, was exposed during a raid on his residence. Despite a monthly police salary of roughly $1,000, he was found to possess at least 42 high-end automobiles, including a rare Lamborghini Aventador Anniversario valued at around $1.45 million.
Besides Thitisan, five other officers involved in the case were also sentenced to life imprisonment in 2022 for their roles in the suspect’s murder. Thitisan had voluntarily surrendered in 2021 amid a manhunt and faced various personal issues, including anxiety and sleep troubles, as noted by prison authorities. His family had visited him on the day of his death, and staff claimed there were no irregularities observed.
Further investigations are underway to ascertain the truth behind Thitisan's death, and as the situation develops, the public remains vigilant regarding police accountability in Thailand.
