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Thai Army Investigates Alleged Abuse of Soldiers in Chiang Mai

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The picture, shared on the Survive Facebook page on Saturday, has sparked outrage and led to a serious mistreatment complaint. It features a troubling incident involving senior army officers allegedly subjecting over ten privates to degrading treatment. The Royal Thai Army (RTA) is currently investigating these allegations, which claim the soldiers were forced to stand naked in the rain for more than five hours while enduring physical abuse.

RTA deputy spokesman Col Richa Suksuwanon addressed the situation on Monday, condemning such acts as unequivocally wrong. He emphasized that Army Chief Gen Charoenchai Hinthao has always insisted that disciplinary actions adhere strictly to army regulations, consistently denouncing any form of exaggerated or inappropriate punishment.

The shocking incident unfolded at the 25th Cavalry Battalion of the 4th Cavalry Regiment, King’s Guard, in Chiang Mai last Thursday. The younger sister of one of the afflicted privates brought the matter to light through a post on the Survive Facebook page. According to her, the privates, subjected to the alleged mistreatment, were ordered to stand naked in the rain for nearly six hours, during which they were beaten, kicked, and stomped upon.

In response, Col Richa announced the formation of two separate committees tasked with investigating the incident thoroughly to ensure justice and neutrality. He also suggested that certain military officers may have contravened the RTA and Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang’s explicit policy on disciplinary measures, underscoring that those found guilty must face significant consequences.

Additionally, an allegation that the officers involved were intoxicated is being scrutinized. However, Col Richa remained tight-lipped when questioned about potential criminal charges for ordering the privates to strip naked, stating only that the committees are handling the situation.

In a related development, reports indicate that Defence Minister Mr. Sutin is planning discussions with Gen Charoenchai regarding the alignment of military disciplinary measures with global standards. This dialogue aims to ensure that such abhorrent incidents never repeat and that military discipline is executed with fairness and respect for human dignity.

36 Comments

  1. Jason Smith August 5, 2024

    This is absolutely horrendous! How can such barbaric practices still exist in this day and age?

    • Samantha R. August 5, 2024

      Totally agree, Jason. It’s shocking to see such violations of human rights. Where’s the accountability?

      • ArmyVet89 August 5, 2024

        Sadly, this isn’t new. Military hazing is an old problem that’s hard to root out.

    • Lily Marcos August 5, 2024

      Not surprising at all. Power always corrupts, and the army is no exception.

  2. Mark_T August 5, 2024

    Why are people so surprised? The military has always been about breaking people down.

    • Rick J August 5, 2024

      That’s no excuse. Discipline should never equal abuse. These soldiers deserve respect.

      • SueL August 5, 2024

        Exactly, Rick. This goes far beyond discipline and into sheer cruelty.

    • Eclectics August 5, 2024

      Soldiers sign up knowing they’re going to be put through tough things. This is just part of the package.

      • Rick J August 5, 2024

        Being put through ‘tough things’ shouldn’t mean being abused. There’s a line and this crosses it.

      • Sophia.D August 5, 2024

        There’s a difference between training rigorously and outright degrading someone. We need to respect that.

  3. Theo August 5, 2024

    What’s disturbing is the alleged intoxication of the officers. They need to be held accountable!

    • Anna L. August 5, 2024

      That’s a good point, Theo. If they were drunk, it makes this even more appalling.

      • Jon August 5, 2024

        Drunk or not, they should never have that kind of power to abuse in the first place.

        • Anna L. August 5, 2024

          Certainly, Jon. It’s about time the military overhauls these toxic practices.

  4. A. Kumar August 5, 2024

    These corrupt officers must be punished severely. Setting examples is the only way to prevent future abuse.

  5. Elena P. August 5, 2024

    The Thai military needs international oversight. This is the kind of incident that could be prevented with more transparency.

    • Carlos M. August 5, 2024

      But international interference in military matters can be seen as a breach of sovereignty. It’s a tricky situation.

      • Fiona August 5, 2024

        True, but human rights should transcend borders. We can’t ignore abuses just because they’re within a nation’s military.

  6. NewsJunkie23 August 5, 2024

    Just another day in the military. Think this only happens in Thailand? Think again.

  7. Jake P August 5, 2024

    I hope the investigations lead to real consequences, not just a slap on the wrist.

    • K.B. August 5, 2024

      Knowing how these things go, they’ll likely try to brush it under the rug.

      • Candice O. August 5, 2024

        That’s the sad reality. Public outrage is our only hope to keep the pressure on.

  8. Meghan August 5, 2024

    What can the average person do about these atrocities? It’s so frustrating.

    • Holmes August 5, 2024

      Raising awareness and supporting human rights organizations can make a difference.

      • DannyBoy August 5, 2024

        Petitions, protests, and sharing information online are some ways to help.

  9. SarahJ August 5, 2024

    Is this connected to wider issues of corruption in the Thai military?

    • Dennis L. August 5, 2024

      I wouldn’t be surprised. Corruption often leads to abuses of power like this one.

      • Maria C. August 5, 2024

        It’s systemic. Until corruption is addressed, such incidents will keep happening.

  10. Taylor K. August 5, 2024

    So much outrage here, but what if the soldiers did something seriously wrong? We don’t know the full story.

    • JohnD August 5, 2024

      Even if they did, abuse is never justified. There are other disciplinary methods.

      • Erica August 5, 2024

        Agreed, John. The punishment should fit the crime, and this certainly didn’t.

    • Mark_T August 5, 2024

      Exactly! This isn’t about what the soldiers did; it’s about the over-the-top punishment.

  11. Connor B. August 5, 2024

    Surprised this topic isn’t getting more media coverage. It’s a major human rights issue.

  12. Phil August 5, 2024

    I once served in the military and witnessed similar hazing. It’s a nasty culture that needs to change.

  13. Gina_L August 5, 2024

    Raising boys to be men by beating them down is an outdated method. When will we evolve?

    • Olivia August 5, 2024

      This is deeply ingrained in many cultures. Breaking the cycle is tough but necessary.

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