The army has apologised for sending a conscription call-up warning to the family of a military cadet who died in unusual circumstances three years ago during his first year at the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School.
Pakapong: Died 3 years ago
Army spokesman Col Winthai Suvaree yesterday said the army regretted having hurt the feelings of the young man's family. He blamed a clerical error for the mistake.
A recruitment officer in Chon Buri province sent the family a letter, dated Aug 11, which was addressed to Pakapong Tanyakan, saying he had failed to turn up for the draft this year as required, and set a deadline of Aug 31 for him to report.
It also said he would be punished if he did not report.
Pakapong's mother, Sukanya Tanyakan, posted the letter on her Facebook on Monday.
"The army is sorry for what happened and the distress caused. The fact is, the military registration system is not linked to the civil registration system," Col Winthai said.
Media quoted Pichet Tanyakan, father of the late cadet, as saying the incident hurt the feelings of the entire family.
The family claims it still does not know the true circumstances surrounding Pakapong's death.
The first-year cadet died on Oct 17, 2017, a day after he returned to the school after a short break.
The Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School provided a death certificate stating he died of sudden cardiac arrest.
The family suspect he died as a result of injuries caused by violent abuse after he returned to the academy.
The family then sought a police investigation, which concluded he died as a result of injuries received months before his death.