Police Assert More Than Two Charges Against Subdistrict Chief Who Bound Youth to Mango Tree and Subjected Him to Red Ant Torture for Four Hours; Torture Investigation Pending
A Phatthalung subdistrict chief faces multiple charges including torture after allegedly binding a youth to a mango tree and subjecting him to red ant attacks for over four hours on April 25, claiming the teenager had stolen beetles.
Police Assert More Than Two Charges Against Subdistrict Chief Who Bound Youth to Mango Tree and Subjected Him to Red Ant Torture for Four Hours; Torture Investigation Pending. On April 28, Police Lieutenant Colonel Nattaphak Nuiyodod, commander of Srinakarin Police Station in Phatthalung Province, disclosed progress in the case against Adisak, subdistrict chief of Lam Sinthoe Subdistrict in Srinakarin District, Phatthalung Province. The case involves assault and alleged torture of Sutheep Chuenmak, the victim. The subdistrict chief arrested the youth claiming he had stolen beetles, but instead punished him by handcuffing him to a mango tree before assaulting him. The chief then applied ant nests to the victim's head across four nests, torturing him for over four hours, until the victim's mother and aunt reported the incident to Srinakarin Police Station, forcing the chief to remove the handcuffs. The incident occurred on April 25.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Nattaphak revealed that today he called the victim along with his mother and aunt to provide additional statements to gather evidence determining which charges will be filed. He affirmed that charges are not limited to just trespassing and assault, but may also include unlawful detention and misconduct by a public official under Section 157, as the case must be referred to the National Anti-Corruption Commission and requires investigation into torture allegations. He also inquired with the Srinakarin District Officer whether Adisak remains an active subdistrict chief, with confirmation expected today.
The subdistrict chief has not yet been called to make a statement, as today was designated for the victim's side to present their account before determining which charges to file against the chief. Police emphasized they will ensure fairness to both parties.
