BANGKOK, Thailand –– The director of Klong Prem Central Prison, alongside the Minister of Justice, has addressed the death of former police colonel Thitisan Utthanaphon, known as “Joe.” Authorities confirmed that he did not have a psychiatric illness and had requested solitary confinement due to concerns over being assaulted by fellow inmates. They denied any involvement of prison officers and stated that his death resulted from self-harm, with no evidence of others entering his cell.
At 11:30 AM on March 8, outside Klong Prem Central Prison, Minister of Justice Pol. Col. Thawee Sodsong, Department of Corrections Director-General Sahakarn Phetnarin, and Acting Director of Klong Prem Central Prison Phadet Ringrod held a press conference regarding Thitisan’s death.
The Minister expressed condolences to the family and stated that four agencies—prosecutors, administrative officials, medical personnel, and investigators—had inspected the scene, alongside Thitisan’s mother, wife, and sister. CCTV footage from the facility was also reviewed.
Details of the Incident
Initial reports indicate that Thitisan committed suicide by hanging himself with a 30-40 cm towel tied to the cell door bars at chest height. He was found in a seated position with his legs stretched forward. CCTV footage confirmed that no one entered or exited his cell except for staff delivering medication at scheduled times. When officers called out to him and received no response, they discovered he had passed away.
Officials are still investigating whether he died before or after attempting to hang himself. While the preliminary findings suggest suicide, authorities have not ruled out other possibilities and will conduct further forensic examinations.
Thitisan’s family has requested that his body be transferred to Thammasat University Hospital for further autopsy before being released to relatives. The family has the right to retain the body until the cause of death is confirmed. A committee will conduct a transparent investigation, including DNA analysis on the towel and other evidence.
In January 2024, Thitisan filed a complaint alleging he was physically assaulted in prison. The Department of Corrections launched an investigation, but prison officials denied the allegations. The case remains unresolved, and further verification is ongoing.
A relative also filed a complaint with Prachachuen Police Station. Investigators have since questioned relevant individuals, but the details of their findings have not yet been disclosed.
Prison Policies and Security Measures
Department of Corrections Director-General Sahakarn emphasized that inmates’ human rights are a priority, and surveillance cameras are installed throughout the prison—except inside cells for privacy reasons.
While strict security measures prevent contraband, the towel used in the incident was allowed as an exception due to the hot weather. Officials noted that Thitisan was alone in a locked cell at bedtime when the incident occurred.
Thitisan had voluntarily requested solitary confinement for the past two months, citing concerns for his safety after disputes with other inmates. The prison authorities provided regular medication and medical care but did not classify him as having a psychiatric illness—only as someone experiencing stress and anxiety.
Acting Prison Director Phadet stated that Thitisan was previously moved from Zone 7 to Zone 5 after conflicts with cellmates. While some injuries were documented—such as bruising on his left ribs from blunt force trauma—it remains unclear whether they were inflicted by fellow inmates or officers.
A formal internal investigation is ongoing to determine if there was any misconduct, but officials insist that no staff members harmed Thitisan. Authorities stress that the inquiry will be conducted fairly and transparently to ensure public trust.
The case remains under investigation, with further forensic and legal proceedings expected in the coming days.
On August 22, 2021, a CCTV video from the interrogation room at Muang Nakhon Sawan Police Station was released, showing Col. Thitisan and his associates using a black bag to suffocate the suspect, Jirapong Thanapath, in a drug-related case. They also beat and strangled him to extort 2 million baht in exchange for not pursuing charges.
The video clearly shows the bag being placed over the suspect’s head in six layers, ultimately leading to suffocation and death. Despite the brutal actions, no other officers intervened. Later, the officers attempted to cover up the crime by claiming the suspect died from a drug overdose and rushed his body to the hospital. However, forensic investigations revealed that the cause of death was asphyxiation, and there were signs of physical abuse.
