Wiroj sharply criticized the situation, insisting that prosecution under the Enforced Disappearance Act must proceed after a private died following detention orders in Prachinburi camp. He declared that no one should die due to the misconduct of unruly soldiers. Another case involved punishment by forcing a soldier to crawl into a sludge pit, trampling on human dignity.
At 10:54 a.m. on 22 Feb 2026 GMT+7 Mr. Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, Deputy Leader of the People's Party posted a message viaFacebookregarding the death of Private Petchrat Kamlangying at the 2nd Artillery Regiment, King's Guard, Promyothi Camp, Prachinburi Province. He stated it is not a trivial matter that society should allow to fade away quietly. The loss of a soldier in combat against enemies enrages us, but this death occurred under suspicious circumstances inside a military camp, amid speculation that he may have died from torture by fellow soldiers, which would be a deep disgrace to the army.
Preliminary information indicates Private Petchrat was punished for overstaying his leave and was ordered detained at the 12th Military Circle prison for 15 days. He died on the 10th day of detention after experiencing convulsions and losing consciousness. Fellow detainees provided first aid and took him to Chakrapong Camp Hospital, where doctors declared him dead with no vital signs.
Wiroj further noted this was a death in custody. According to law, besides doctors and investigators, prosecutors and administrative officials at district chief level or above must be involved in the investigation. After autopsy completion, investigators and prosecutors must prepare a case file and petition the court to hold an inquest to determine the identity, place, time, cause, and circumstances of death.
Therefore, a detailed examination of the autopsy results is necessary to confirm whether procedures complied strictly with the law. It is known the autopsy took place at Chaophraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital. If evidence suggests Private Petchrat was tortured or subjected to cruel acts violating human dignity, prosecution under the Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act B.E. 2565 (2022) must proceed against all involved, including applying Section 42 against the camp commander as a superior officer.
"A soldier’s death should only occur if sacrificed for the nation, not due to the malicious nature of unruly soldiers of the same nationality. If torture is confirmed, prosecution under the Enforced Disappearance Act at the Anti-Corruption Court must proceed without exception."
Later at 3:27 p.m., Wiroj shared a post from the Army explaining a corporal had threatened and coerced a private to perform inappropriate acts within the 2nd Infantry Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, King's Guard in Prachinburi. The investigation confirmed the corporal involved was Corporal Nattakorn Phakdee. Following the incident, the unit escorted the victim to file a police complaint to press criminal charges. The unit has initiated disciplinary action and currently detains the offender pending legal and administrative proceedings, affirming support for full disciplinary and legal penalties.
Wiroj stated that it must be monitored whether the Army will prosecute under the Enforced Disappearance Act regarding the incident at the 2nd Infantry Battalion, where a private was punished by being forced to crawl into a sludge pit and a fecal treatment tank. This is not an ordinary criminal offense but constitutes trampling on the human dignity of a soldier.
"I must emphasize here that rank exists to fulfill duties, not to oppress the dignity of soldiers. All soldiers—whether privates or generals—share equal dignity as soldiers."
Therefore, upon finding actions that violate human dignity, prosecution under the Enforced Disappearance Act must be pursued, and suspects brought before the Anti-Corruption Court. A committee must also be established to investigate whether commanders issued proper orders and implemented adequate preventive measures. Commanders who neglect their duties should face prosecution under Section 42 of the Act with penalties of half the usual sentence. Merely filing assault charges is insufficient and disproportionate to the offense. He concluded, "No good soldier would harm or demean the dignity of fellow soldiers."