Phatthalung Governor Orders Urgent Investigation into Subdistrict Chief's Use of Low Court Under Mango Tree; Must Be Completed Within 15 Days
Phatthalung's governor has ordered a fast-track investigation into a subdistrict chief accused of torturing a young man by tying him to a mango tree, handcuffing him, and covering him with red ants for over four hours in late April. The inv
The Phatthalung Governor has ordered an urgent investigation committee into a subdistrict chief's actions, viewing the incident as highly inappropriate. Police report that on the evening of April 25, the mother, aunt, and nephew of a 28-year-old man from Lam Sinthe Subdistrict filed a complaint after the subdistrict chief allegedly dragged the young man from his home while sleeping, handcuffed him, tied him to a mango tree, slapped him twice until his eyes were bruised, kicked him once, and then used red ants—knocking them on his head three times and placing one nest beside him—while the man suffered for over four hours. The subdistrict chief claimed CCTV footage showed the young man had stolen beetles from a local resident's collection despite warnings, but the victim endured the torture without the chief removing the handcuffs until relatives sought help from Sri Nakharin Police Station. The victim's body bore ant bite marks throughout, and claw marks were visible at the base of the mango tree where he had struggled in pain. On April 27, 2025, Phatthalung Governor Suchin Wajkij announced he had received the report from Sri Nakharin District and ordered the investigation be completed within 15 days instead of the standard 30, with results to be reported to the relevant ministry. The governor emphasized that all officials, whether subdistrict chiefs or other civil servants, must operate within the framework of law and cannot act outside it under any circumstances. Regarding the incident of binding and handcuffing with red ants applied to the head, the governor stated this was clearly inappropriate and improper. An investigation committee has been established with orders to expedite the fact-finding process as the case has drawn public and provincial attention. Sri Nakharin Police Station Commander Maj. Natthaphak Nuaidod stated that investigators are gathering evidence to proceed against the subdistrict chief for exceeding his authority as alleged by the victim, requiring multiple witness interviews from the scene to ensure fairness to both parties according to law, with no bias toward either side. The commander added that regarding theft issues, such matters have proper legal channels for resolution.
