MFP MP’s former assistant commits suicide in military camp

A former assistant to a Move Forward Party (MFP) MP reportedly committed suicide in a military camp. The MP has called for the abolishment of military conscription, citing the intense pressure and toxic environment within military facilities as contributing factors to the individual’s decision to end their life.

The MFP MP, Tisana Choonhavan, took to Twitter to share the distressing story of her former assistant, Komtach Phanrit, and the abolishment of military conscription in Thailand. She posted a picture of her and Komtach.

“How many more corpses do you need? #AbolishConscription #KomtachPhanrit”

Tisana revealed to her followers that Komtach had to leave his assistant position to serve in the military due to compulsory conscription. She was notified at about 3am yesterday, March 19, that Komtach took his own life within the military camp.

Tisana demanded the relevant departments consider abolishing conscription following several suicide cases and deaths reported among the conscripts.

Tisana additionally urged the military camp to disclose Komtach’s autopsy findings and provide clarification regarding the circumstances within the camp to the public. She also posted screenshots of conversations between herself and Komtach on Twitter.

In these exchanges, Komtach shared insights into his daily life as a soldier with the MP, exposing troubling realities that the military frequently dismissed.

Soldier duties

Komtach told Tisana on January 19 that he already completed initial training and would be sent to work in a military office. He expressed relief that he would not have to work outdoors in hot weather all day.

Komtach updated Tisana on January 28 that his dream of working in a military office was shattered, as he might have to serve high-ranking officers instead. He mentioned that his superior would assign conscripts to each officers’ homes the next day.

Komtach expressed feeling significant stress and confided in only a handful of trusted friends. With their imminent assignment to separate duties, he voiced concerns about managing daily challenges without their support.

Despite the military’s assertions to the contrary, Komtach’s testimonies contradicted claims that conscripts wouldn’t be tasked with serving high-ranking officials. Additionally, he disclosed that some conscripts were permitted to return home on the condition of surrendering their entire salary to their superiors. He mentioned that some conscripts managed to return home faster due to connections their parents had with influential soldiers.

Subsequently, Komtach disclosed being transferred to another troop, exacerbating the situation. He observed drug and cannabis use among some conscripts, alongside incidents of theft. This compelled him to exercise increased vigilance, ensuring he kept his belongings secure at all times.

RTA’s clarification

The Royal Thai Army (RTA), yesterday, March 20, came forward to clarify Komtach’s death to the public. The RTA explained that Komtach served at Yothin Wittaya Army Sponsor School in the central province of Ratchaburi and hung himself in a bathroom within the school on March 19.

The RTA claimed that the family members and friends of Komtach shared that his suicide was motivated by a conflict with his girlfriend. Komtach’s superior visited his family the same day to inform them of benefits and compensation from the army.

However, the RTA did not address allegations of drug use, corruption, and duties beyond soldiers’ expectations within the army to the public.

If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline: 02 713 6791 (English), 02 713 6793 (Thai), or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai). Please also contact your friends or relatives at this time if you have feelings of loneliness, stress, or depression. Seek help.

อดีตผู้ช่วยแก้วได้ไปเกณฑ์ทหาร (จับได้ใบแดง) เมื่อวานนี้ตอนตีสามได้ข่าวมาจากผู้ช่วยส.ส.ที่สนิทกันอีกคนว่าน้องผูกคอตายในห้องน้ำในค่ายทหาร
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ก่อนอดีตผู้ช่วยแก้วจะเสียชีวิตในค่ายทหาร (ผูกคอตาย) ได้ส่งข้อความแบบนี้มาถึงชีวิตในค่ายทหาร
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ขอเรียกร้องให้ค่าย 1.)… pic.twitter.com/hO8UEAZPpV

— Tisana Choonhavan – ธิษะณา ชุณหะวัณ (@tisanachoonhav2) March 19, 2024

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