Human Rights Center Files Case Over Attack on Mentally Ill Man

A human rights legal center has filed assault charges against a group that beat a mentally ill man, reporting severe injuries sustained during the attack. The incident involved members of a Facebook group called "Hell's Army Special Task Force for the People," who livestreamed their pursuit of a man they accused of posting videos and messages insulting state institutions. After locating him, several men violently assaulted him before turning him over to Tao Poon police on the evening of July 22, 2024.

Investigators identified the victim as Thanit (pseudonym), 42, who had undergone psychiatric treatment at a hospital since 2010 and served time in prison. He was released in 2024 but is not taking psychiatric medication and cares for his mother, who has Alzheimer's disease. The group calling itself "Hell's Army" posted tracking updates on Facebook starting July 20, claiming they would locate him within 24 hours. On the evening of July 22, dozens of men broke into his residence in Don Mueang and assaulted him, striking his face repeatedly, kicking his legs to trip him, stomping on his head and body, kneeing his abdomen, and hitting his head and elbows until his glasses fell off.

After the assault, the group transported Thanit to Tao Poon police station. An initial complaint citing Article 112 (royal defamation) had been filed on July 21 by Nerapol, but officers had not issued any arrest warrants. When lawyers monitoring the case arrived at Don Mueang police station around 11 p.m., they found Thanit with bruises, swollen lips, and head pain. He filed an assault complaint against his attackers. Police had seized two of his mobile phones claiming they were evidence for the Article 112 case, reportedly with his consent. On the morning of July 23, Thanit underwent medical examination documenting his injuries.