Re: “Dechapol and Supissara fall”
Is it really fair to say that Dechapol and Supissara have fallen? Do you understand what it takes to reach the final? They did not fall—they simply settled for silver. It would be more accurate and respectful to acknowledge their achievement rather than frame it as a failure.
Frustrated Badminton player
Abuse in the Ranks
Re: “Cadets tied to student’s death get leniency” and “Army culture of impunity.”
Two senior cadets were convicted for the fatal disciplinary abuse of first-year military cadet Pakapong “Moei” Tanyakan in 2017. The term “fatal disciplinary abuse” seems to be used as a way to soften the reality of what happened. This should be treated as murder, with appropriate charges and sentencing, not just a suspended sentence that allows them to continue serving in the army.
As your editorial rightly points out, this is part of a long-standing culture of impunity within the military, with no signs of meaningful change being implemented.
But my main purpose here is to bring attention to other servicemen who have been “murdered” by their so-called comrades in recent years.
In August 2017, the same month that cadet Pakapong died, 21-year-old Pvt Noppadol Worakitpan, stationed at Vibhavadi Rangsit Military Camp, died after returning home. According to news reports, the initial autopsy suggested cardiovascular system failure, and army officials denied any mistreatment. However, Noppadol’s mother told the media that two other privates informed her that her son had been physically disciplined on the evening of his death after sneaking out of the camp to meet other soldiers and smoke a cigarette.
In the same year, at a camp in Surat Thani, 22-year-old Yutthakinun Boonniam died after enduring violent physical punishment. Other cases include Pvt Wichian Puaksom, 26, who died from beatings in Narathiwat Ratchanakarin in 2011, and Pvt Songtham Mudmad, who suffered a brain hemorrhage at a camp in Yala’s Bannang Sata in 2016.
There may be more cases that the army has managed to keep hidden from public view. Not to mention those who were tortured and beaten but survived. We must not forget these incidents.
David Brown
Self-Serving Senate
Re: “Senate won’t wait for scandal verdicts.”
If I were a senator accused of illegally colluding in last year’s Senate election, I would welcome the chance to choose my own judges. I wouldn’t care if this action severely damaged public trust, as my personal well-being would take precedence over the integrity of the Senate and Thailand.
Yet, this is exactly what the Senate has done—voting to select nominees for Constitutional Court and Election Commission vacancies without waiting for the results of scandal investigations.
Those who argue that delays could prevent independent bodies from forming quorums are missing the point. Incumbents usually serve until their replacements are chosen.
Why did 130 senators act as if they were guilty, voting to appoint nominees without delay? This behavior is shameful.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.
