Soldier's Family Questions Death in Nakhon Ratchasima Forest
A 20-year-old volunteer soldier from Nakhon Ratchasima was found hanged in a forest after disappearing on leave, but his family questions the autopsy conclusion of suicide, citing no warning signs and requesting a thorough investigation.
The family of Thitikorn, a 20-year-old volunteer soldier assigned to a military unit in Nakhon Ratchasima province, has received his body after he was found dead in a forest following his disappearance during leave from September 1-10. Rescue officials discovered a man in military uniform hanged beneath a tree in woodland near Nong Ja Bok subdistrict, behind the unit to which he was attached. The body was confirmed to match the soldier who had been reported missing. On September 13 at 5 p.m., his parents and relatives collected his body from Maharaj Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital to return home to Ubon Ratchathani, accompanied by commanders from the Third Saena Rak Battalion at Suratham Phitaksat Camp.
Thawee, 41, Thitikorn's father, said he was shocked and distressed upon learning of his son's death, as the boy had always been cheerful and had no known problems. He said he cannot fully accept the findings because there were no warning signs before the incident. Lawanlai, 42, Thitikorn's mother, said through tears that the family was devastated, describing her son as kind-hearted, well-liked, and well-connected. She noted that after entering military service, her son had told the family he enjoyed the profession.
Although the autopsy concluded that death resulted from hanging with no evidence of foul play, the family remains uncertain about the cause and motive, as no clear trigger was apparent beforehand. They have requested a thorough investigation into all aspects to provide answers. Saroja, 20, Thitikorn's close friend, said she was shocked to learn of his death, as he had always been cheerful and good-natured. She noted that if anything troubled him, he would confide in her first, and she saw no warning signs. Despite accepting the autopsy results, she too questioned what could have driven him to such an act and called for a detailed investigation to uncover the truth and bring the family justice. Thitikorn's body has been returned to his hometown in Ubon Ratchathani for religious rites; the funeral date has not yet been announced. Authorities are continuing to investigate circumstances and evidence related to the case.
