Six policemen, including the former chief of Muang Nakhon Sawan police, were sentenced to life imprisonment yesterday for killing a drug suspect by putting a plastic bag over his head in August last year.
The Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct initially gave them the death penalty but commuted the sentences to life because they confessed to some of the charges. They had also attempted to resuscitate the victim and gave financial assistance to his family.
The six were Pol Col Thitisan "Jo Ferrari" Utthanaphon, 39, head of Nakhon Sawan police station at the time; Pol Maj Raweerote Ditthong, the investigation inspector; Pol Capt Songyot Klainak, the deputy inspector for crime suppression; Pol Lt Thoranin Matwanna, also a deputy inspector for crime suppression; Pol Snr Sgt Maj Wisut Boonkhiao; and Pol L/C Paweekorn Khammarew.
Another defendant, Pol Snr Sgt Maj Supakorn Nimchuen, was sentenced to five years and four months in prison for malfeasance and coercion. That sentence was commuted from eight years.
They were indicted on four charges of malfeasance, abuse of authority, colluding to murder by torture, and coercion in connection with the death of Chiraphong Thanapat, a 24-year-old drug suspect.
They were accused of killing the man while trying to extort 2 million baht from him during an interrogation on Aug 5. A video posted on social media showed Chiraphong being suffocated during questioning, his head covered with a black plastic bag held in place by officers.
Yesterday's ruling was read out via a video link to the defendants at Klong Prem Central Prison, as part of Covid-19 control measures. The victim's parents were in the courtroom.
The court had granted a request by Chakkrit Klandee, the victim's father, to be a co-plaintiff in the case which saw 23 witnesses take the stand.
However, the court threw out a petition from the victim's parents demanding 1.5 million baht in compensation from those convicted, saying the law allows them to sue for damages from the Royal Thai Police.
Mr Chakkrit said he was satisfied with the sentences, saying he would not appeal against them.