The family admitted they remain unsettled over the case of the soldier who returned from leave to his unit but died behind the camp. They said he was normally cheerful and bright, never had problems with anyone, and called on all related parties to thoroughly investigate the facts to reveal the truth about the incident.
On 13 September 2026, reporters reported progress in the case of Private Thitikorn Pongwankham, or Nam, age 20, a volunteer soldier assigned to a military unit in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. He lost contact during his leave from 1–10 September 2026. Rescue workers from Huk 31 Nakhon Ratchasima found a man in a military uniform hanging dead from a tree in a forest area of Nong Chabok Subdistrict, Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima District, behind the unit where he was assigned, confirming it was the missing soldier.
At 17:00 on 13 September 2026, at the body reception point of Maharaj Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital, Private Thitikorn's father, mother, and relatives arrived to take the body back to their hometown amid a mournful atmosphere. Commanders from the 3rd Signal Battalion (3rd Sig. Bn.) of Surathamphithak Camp brought a military medical vehicle to receive the body and transport it to the deceased's hometown.
Mr. Tawee, 41, father of Private Thitikorn, said that upon hearing of his son's death by hanging, he was shocked and at a loss. His son had always been cheerful and bright, with no problems with anyone. When officials reported the death was by self-hanging, he admitted he could not fully believe it, as no unusual signs or incidents suggested his son would harm himself.
Meanwhile, Ms. Lawan Pongwankham, 42, mother of Private Thitikorn, tearfully revealed the family was deeply shocked and saddened because their son was friendly, had many friends, and was loved by those around him. After joining the military, he told the family he enjoyed being a soldier.
Regarding the autopsy results indicating death by hanging with no evidence of murder, the family acknowledged this but still had doubts about the cause and motive. Since no clear precipitating factors were found before the incident, they want a full investigation into all aspects to obtain clear answers for the family.
Ms. Sarocha, 20, a close friend of the deceased, tearfully said she had known and been close to Nam since childhood. She was very shocked by the news because he was cheerful and kind. If he had any troubles, he usually confided in her first, so she never expected such an event to occur.
The close friend added that although she knew the autopsy results, she still had questions about what led Nam to this decision, as she had never seen any clear signs or reasons before. She hopes the fact-finding will be thorough and that the truth will be revealed so the family can have their doubts eased and receive justice.
Currently, Private Thitikorn’s body has been taken back to Ubon Ratchathani Province for religious rites. The date for cremation has not yet been set. Authorities are investigating the circumstances and evidence related to the incident to clarify the family's doubts.
Subsequently, the 2nd Army Region issued a statement regarding the death of the soldier on the unit's premises: "At approximately 13:30 on 12 September 2026, the 2nd Army Region received a report from the 3rd Signal Battalion (3rd Sig. Bn.) about the death of soldier Private Thitikorn Pongwankham, age 20, conscripted soldier of rotation 1/69, assigned to the Signal Company."
The incident occurred when soldiers from the 23rd Artillery Battalion, 6th Artillery Regiment (6th Artillery Regt., 23rd Bn.) went to collect forest products behind the coffee welfare shop of the 3rd Signal Battalion, Surathamphithak Camp, Mueang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, and found the deceased hanging from a tree. They reported to the duty officer and their superiors. The unit then coordinated with investigators, police, and related agencies to inspect the site according to legal procedures.
Initial checks with the soldier’s unit revealed that Private Thitikorn was granted leave from 1 to 10 September 2026 to return to his hometown in Na Chaluai District, Ubon Ratchathani Province. However, upon leave expiration, he did not return to report to the unit on time. The unit followed up and contacted the family, who confirmed the soldier had returned to the unit. The family then tried to reach him via phone, close contacts, and other channels but failed until his body was found on the reported day.
Inquiries with commanders and colleagues in the unit found no indications or behaviors suggesting conflict, violence, or assault.
Currently, the unit has sent the body for autopsy at the forensic department of Maharaj Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital to determine the cause of death in detail. The investigation into the facts and sequence of events before the incident is ongoing as authorities collect evidence. No definitive conclusion has been reached regarding the cause and circumstances of the case. Meanwhile, the unit has informed the deceased's family, who are traveling from Ubon Ratchathani to the hospital to await the autopsy results.
The 2nd Army Region expressed deepest condolences to the family and relatives of the deceased soldier. It affirmed full cooperation with police and all related parties for a straightforward, thorough, and fair investigation, and pledged to provide support and assistance to the family according to government rights and regulations.
The exact cause of death will be determined after official forensic examination and investigation. The 2nd Army Region will provide updates accordingly.