The family of “Nrot Moei” turns to Rom as their last resort to clarify the mystery surrounding their son's death. The mother has waited tearfully for nine years with no progress in the case and is pained to see the perpetrator now serving as a police officer.
On 4 July 2026, the family of Nrot Phakphong Tankarn, known as “Nong Moei,” along with their lawyer, submitted a letter to Rangsit Rom, Chairman of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Law, Justice, and Human Rights, requesting an investigation into Nong Moei's death. The family remains suspicious about the cause of death and the nearly decade-long delay in the justice process.
The family’s lawyer disclosed that the complaint to the Law Commission focuses on two main points: disciplinary measures against the senior cadet. The Supreme Criminal Court ruled last year to punish one former military academy student, a commanding officer, for assault during “discipline enforcement” that was inappropriate in place and method—ordering the victim to have his head forced to the ground with hands tied behind his back in a bathroom. This senior officer now serves as a police officer. The family previously asked the Royal Thai Police Commissioner about disciplinary actions and conduct regarding this officer but received no clarification.
The other issue concerns the medical certificate and missing organs. The family filed a complaint against a military doctor at Phayathai Police Station, who handled the body at Phramongkutklao Hospital and diagnosed the cause of death as “heart disease,” although Nong Moei had no prior illness. Later, a second autopsy at an external forensic institute found the brain, heart, and stomach missing. When the family reclaimed the organs, DNA testing was impossible due to damage. Since 2020, the case has seen no progress. The family fears the military doctor’s case might be dismissed in military court, which does not allow a civilian mother to be a co-plaintiff, relying solely on military prosecutors, complicating oversight.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Sukanya Tankarn, Nong Moei’s mother, tearfully said she has tried every possible way to seek the truth over nine years but keeps hitting dead ends. If the military court dismisses the case, it will likely end due to the statute of limitations without anyone knowing the real cause, despite clear links found in the second autopsy.
“As a mother, seeing everything is deeply painful inside. I am angry at myself for being powerless. Right now, I feel like I’m adrift in the middle of the sea, and a log has come floating by to hold on to. This Law Commission is something we must grasp. I don’t know if they will bring us safely to shore, but when the chance arises, we have to seize it,” Mrs. Sukanya said.
Rangsit Rom, Chairman of the Law Commission, said this case is nearly impossible to obtain justice. If such a high-profile case fails to be resolved, the Thai justice system will be questioned in the future, and it is unknown how many more lives will be lost. He will bring the matter to the committee for discussion and draft a request for progress information from the Royal Thai Police. He assured the family that no influential person can pressure or interfere with the commission’s work.