The Army spokesperson confirmed forensic examinations found no spoon inside Private Petchrat's body, who died from heart failure. He acknowledged that many units require soldiers to carry spoons for meals, emphasizing the importance of personnel loss.
At 09:00 on 23 Feb 2026 GMT+7 Major General Winthai Suwaree, Army spokesperson, was interviewed regarding public doubts that the spoon found among the ashes after cremation of Private Petchrat Kamying, from the 2nd Artillery Regiment, King's Guard, Phrom Yothi, Prachinburi Province, might have been inside the body rather than in the clothing as previously stated.
Major General Winthai stated that the medical examination, including X-rays and other scientific tests, confirmed no foreign objects were present and that death resulted from heart failure. The physical examination showed no signs of injury or assault. It was confirmed no first aid was performed when Private Petchrat experienced a seizure before death. The heart failure condition typically occurs suddenly, but the unit promptly transferred him to the hospital.
Besides forensic results, statements from those nearby, especially fellow soldiers confined together, must be considered; they confirmed no fighting or physical abuse occurred.
Regarding public questions about why soldiers carry spoons, Major General Winthai explained that during some training periods, soldiers eat outside their units, so carrying personal spoons is customary in many units, including this one. However, this issue is separate. The crucial point is verifying whether the cause of death was natural. Since the loss of personnel is also a loss for the Army, this matter is taken seriously.
When asked if there would be a re-examination due to current public concerns, the Army spokesperson confirmed the autopsy results exist and are officially recorded. Regarding suspicions about foreign objects in the body, X-ray results have already confirmed their absence. The forensic process follows legal procedures, and typically, unnatural deaths require a different approach.
Therefore, in this case, medical conclusions are clear and definitive, with evidence also gathered from witness statements, which show no signs of conflict. Especially since the soldiers lived together, there are many witnesses. For example, the suspicion that an object was inside the body is unprecedented; no known cases globally involve assault by inserting foreign objects like a spoon inside the body, which would be difficult.
The Army spokesperson added that society can question events, just as political parties have criticized the Army, which might be seen as discrediting. He believes this may stem from misunderstanding. The Army's duty is to clarify facts. Every soldier is considered family, and any incident causes shared distress—such as fights or bullying among soldiers or by non-commissioned officers under the pretext of discipline. If such cases arise, the unit and Army will act fully to ensure fairness for victims, especially under the Commander-in-Chief's policy emphasizing that all personnel are close comrades in their work.