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Wissanu Loetsongkram Returns to Tha Uthen: Reflections on the 2004 Tak Bai Tragedy

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In the heart of the serene province of Nakhon Phanom lies the district office of Tha Uthen, a quaint locale now abuzz with an air of quiet resolution. This site marks the professional home of Wissanu Loetsongkram, who once more walks its halls in his capacity as assistant district chief. The story of his return, however, is far from ordinary and is steeped in a dark episode of history that many wish to leave behind.

The resonant toll of justice—or perhaps its silence—echoed across the region as Wissanu resumed his duties on a recent Monday. Just days prior, the statute of limitations expired on a case involving unspeakable tragedy at the Tak Bai rally two decades ago. The protests of October 25, 2004, which resulted in the deaths of 85 demonstrators, have been etched deeply into the annals of contentious history. But now, as the clock struck 11:59 p.m. on that defining Friday, the case was closed without a single defendant having faced trial.

The provincial court in Narathiwat officially drew the curtain on this chapter by Monday, bringing the saga cemented in sorrow and legal stagnation to an administrative end. Wissanu Loetsongkram, embroiled as one of eight accused in this protracted predicament, was notably the first to step back into the public sphere as a free man.

Back in 2004, amidst the chaos and cries for justice, Wissanu was implicated in the dire events. It was alleged that he drove one of the truckloads of detained protesters—packed in horrific conditions—from the site of uprising near Tak Bai police station to the army fort at Ingkayutthaboriharn, deep in Pattani province. This perilous journey tragically resulted in the suffocation of 78 individuals during the drive—an unthinkable loss that remains a stark reminder of human dignity compromised.

Despite his alleged involvement, Wissanu staunchly maintains his role as a mere subordinate, a truck driver following orders. His rank at the time within the 5th Infantry Division remains shadowed in uncertainty. “I was just a driver,” Wissanu is quoted in official reports, deflecting deeper questioning on the horrific day. His reticent stance echoes through official statements, sparking contemplation yet invoking an understanding of hierarchy and the chain of command so rigidly followed within military operations.

Upon his return, Wissanu dutifully checked in with his superior, Tha Uthen district chief, Preecha Sa-ingthong. It’s reported that Wissanu had been on extended sick leave since October 15, surfacing again only as the legal noose of his past involvement slackened with time’s passage.

Nestled along the gentle divide of the Mekong River, Tha Uthen shares its borders with Khammouane province in Laos. It stands as a tranquil place, perhaps at odds with the tumultuous twist of fate its district assistant chief previously weathered. Meanwhile, Wissanu’s co-defendants, also liberated by the expiry of the statutory period, find their names engraved on the list of those once accused:

  • Maj Gen Chaloemchai Wirunpetch, former commander of the 5th Infantry Division
  • Lt Col Prasert Mattamin
  • Sub Lt Nutthawut Luamsai
  • Lt JG Wissanukorn Chaisarn
  • Piti Yarnkaew
  • CPO3 Ratchadet Sisuwan
  • Lt Ritthirong Promrit

In the eyes of the law, these figures, like Wissanu, have emerged unscathed by judicial proceedings, their past cloaked somewhat in the shadows cast by time’s relentless march forward. Whether Nakhon Phanom, with its idyllic landscape, can provide solace or merely serve as the backdrop to lingering whispers of morality, conscience, and justice, perhaps only time will truly tell.

32 Comments

  1. Linda K October 29, 2024

    It’s unbelievable that no one faced trial for such a heinous event. Are lives that cheap?

    • Tommy22 October 29, 2024

      Justice is supposed to be blind, but it seems more like it’s been asleep.

      • Linda K October 29, 2024

        Exactly, and the system allows it! It’s like a bad joke.

      • WissanuFan October 29, 2024

        You guys don’t understand the pressures these people were under. They were just doing their jobs in tough times.

    • JusticeSeeker October 29, 2024

      I agree, Linda, accountability is key. This sets a dangerous precedent for future governance.

  2. Mark October 29, 2024

    Wissanu has returned to serve the community, maybe we should focus on the positive aspects now.

    • Debbie P October 29, 2024

      How can you look past something so horrific? Closure isn’t about ignoring the past.

      • Mark October 29, 2024

        I see your point, Debbie. I just hope for healing, though acknowledging the victims is essential.

    • HistoryBuff October 29, 2024

      The past teaches us about the future—it must not be forgotten, no matter how painful.

  3. Grower134 October 29, 2024

    Convenient how time ‘heals all wounds’ when accountability is lacking.

  4. Sophie D October 29, 2024

    Does this mean there will never be justice for the victims’ families?

    • EmpathyAl October 29, 2024

      Sadly, legal systems sometimes fail to deliver, especially when political aspects are involved.

  5. Brooke October 29, 2024

    I feel for the victims, but maybe Wissanu deserves a second chance?

    • Harry64 October 29, 2024

      Second chances are for those who acknowledge their wrongs. Did he ever take responsibility?

    • Brooke October 29, 2024

      That’s a fair question, Harry. Still, we have to consider what the system allowed him to get away with.

  6. LawAndOrder October 29, 2024

    The expiration of the statute of limitations is outrageous. Legal changes need to happen.

  7. Ella October 29, 2024

    So convenient that all this happens right as the statute expires. Coincidence? I think not.

    • SkepticJoe October 29, 2024

      I think it’s more about power and influence than coincidence, Ella.

      • Ella October 29, 2024

        Absolutely agree, Joe. Who benefits from such convenient timing?

  8. AnalystKaren October 29, 2024

    Not surprising, given the historical leniency towards military actions in this region.

  9. YoungChang October 29, 2024

    If we look globally, military impunity is a widespread issue. Thailand is not unique here.

  10. Jake October 29, 2024

    People act shocked, but such events always end up swept under the rug. It’s just how politics works.

    • RealistRhonda October 29, 2024

      Unfortunately, you’re right, Jake. Public outrage fades, but the top players remain untouchable.

  11. Alice M October 29, 2024

    Let’s not just criticize. How can we push for real justice reform to prevent future tragedies?

    • BrainsBrian October 29, 2024

      True, Alice. We need systemic change, not just outrage. Protesting for reform might be a start.

      • Alice M October 29, 2024

        Organizing for policy change seems vital. We should harness this momentum.

  12. DoubtfulDan October 29, 2024

    While some ponder justice, others will continue living with impunity—it’s an unfortunate reality.

  13. PeaceSaver October 29, 2024

    It’s important we engage in dialogue to learn from such events and ensure they aren’t repeated.

  14. ActivistAmy October 29, 2024

    Keep raising awareness and pressuring governments to acknowledge these issues. Silence isn’t an option.

    • Joe October 29, 2024

      Amy, you’re right. But awareness without action can also lead to inaction.

  15. Larry D October 29, 2024

    How do people sleep at night knowing they contributed to a system of injustice?

    • MoralityMary October 29, 2024

      They sleep just fine, Larry. Conscience takes a backseat when faced with career consequences.

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