Kanweer urges the incoming government to restore the human dignity of fellow soldiers by setting up a fact-finding committee into Private Petchrat’s case, ensuring justice for the victim without any doubt and suspicion.
On 23 Feb 2026, Kanweer Suebsang, leader of the Plawad Party, said he has been following the case of Private Petchrat’s family, whose relative died while detained at the 12th Military Circle prison in Prachinburi Province. The family filed a complaint through Nichanan Wangkahat. It is shocking that while the Ministry of Justice was holding its 3rd anniversary event for the enforcement of the Anti-Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act, which took place yesterday on 22 Feb 2026, soldiers were still dying in military camps. Although the army explained the death was natural, the family remains doubtful even though three months have passed since the death.
"This case must be handled transparently. The Royal Thai Army, as the parent organization, must provide full justice to Private Petchrat's family. There must be a transparent investigation, and the family should be able to file complaints and pursue legal cases under the Anti-Torture Act. Relevant agencies have the duty to clarify and act according to the law."
Kanweer said the incoming government, which will not differ much from the caretaker government—especially with the same current and new prime ministers—must not allow low-ranking soldiers like Private Petchrat to die without accountability. There must be a transparent and fair fact-finding process to build trust in the military system and ensure equal justice for all soldiers.
"I call on Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to pay attention to the lives of privates who play a vital role in safeguarding national sovereignty. In the past, there have been multiple cases of privates dying in military camps without receiving justice, despite having anti-torture laws in place."
Kanweer pointed out that there are still unclear facts regarding the cause of Private Petchrat’s death that the family questions, especially the "mysterious spoon" found after the cremation. There should be an explanation of how the spoon ended up inside the deceased’s body. It is insufficient to merely say that soldiers can carry spoons. State officials must also realize that such methods cannot be tolerated; otherwise, the law loses its authority because we cannot prosecute or prevent further harm.
"The law must be the law. We must fight so that no individual or group has power above the law that governs social order." Kanweer stated.