Corner Tactics – The Kamlasak Shooting Case and National Security Cases
A Prachathai MP shot in Narathiwat has filed charges against military officers after authorities arrested only five perpetrators, sparking concerns the investigation is cutting corners and raising questions about unequal law enforcement in
The shooting case of Kamlasak Leewamaw, a Prachathai Party member of parliament from Narathiwat province, has reached a critical juncture that has raised widespread suspicion and questions among residents in Thailand's southern border region. Five perpetrators have been arrested—former rangers and naval personnel who even used a military vehicle to carry out the attack. Yet the investigation has failed to reach the masterminds behind it. Is there an attempt to cut corners and close the case with just five suspects? This has forced Kamlasak himself to pursue charges separately, accusing a Royal Thai Army officer in Narathiwat and a Royal Thai Navy intelligence officer of supporting the attack. Authorities must be watched to see whether these two face serious charges once police summons are served. Additionally, the victim, his lawyers, and legal experts in the area are demanding phone records of the suspects be examined to trace possible connections to masterminds and hidden networks. They note a glaring double standard: when handling national security cases, authorities can instantly pull phone data and map out spider-web networks. So why is the Kamlasak shooting case moving so slowly? Authorities already have the tools and legal authority to request data from mobile phone companies—the same power they use in security cases. They should demonstrate transparency and work with the same speed they apply to national security matters. As one observer noted: "In many past cases, information from questioning under special laws has led to rapid charges. Yet in this case, despite a formal complaint with clear evidence of wrongdoing, the investigation drags on. This risks making society question whether the state enforces the law equally and fairly." Kamlasak has highlighted concerning disparities in how the law is enforced across different regions, hoping authorities will take note. Most importantly, residents must not perceive different treatment in law enforcement—a perception that could worsen the southern border situation.
