Bangkok Prison Death: Family Demands Second Autopsy After Assault Claim
Bangkok, Thailand—Pol Col Thitisan Utthanaphon, infamously known as “Joe Ferrari,” was found dead in his cell at Klong Prem Central Prison in Bangkok on Friday night, according to an official statement from the Department of Corrections. The initial autopsy report from the Central Institute of Forensic Science (CIFS) suggests suicide by hanging as the most probable cause of death. This incident further complicates the already controversial case of the former police colonel, convicted in 2021 for the torture and murder of a drug suspect.
Prison officials discovered Thitisan slumped against his cell door around 8:30 p. m. on Friday, a towel tied around his neck and secured to the door. The Department of Corrections statement noted “bruised fingers and no pulse.” Dr. Worawee Waiyawuth, deputy director of the CIFS, stated in a Sunday press briefing that a small towel was likely used as a makeshift noose. While bruising was observed on Thitisan’s back and hip, these were deemed old injuries. Further laboratory analysis of tissue samples is underway to definitively confirm the cause of death.
Thitisan’s family disputes the suicide ruling, citing a previous alleged assault by a prison guard. In late February, Thitisan’s mother filed a formal complaint requesting an investigation into an incident where he was reportedly reprimanded and physically assaulted for reporting a fellow inmate for watching pornography on a mobile phone—a violation of prison rules. This alleged altercation fuels the family’s suspicion, contradicting the official suicide narrative.
Adding to the uncertainty, relatives visiting the prison after Thitisan’s death reported bloodstains on the cell floor. Dr. Waiyawuth addressed this, explaining that blood seepage from bodily orifices is a common post-mortem occurrence. He reiterated the initial assessment that the neck markings correlated with the towel size, supporting the suicide theory. However, seeking a second opinion, the family, represented by lawyer Weerasak Nakhin, will conduct a second post-mortem examination at Chulalongkorn University.
Meanwhile, the investigation continues. Pol Maj Gen Jessada Suaysom, commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau’s Division 2, stated that authorities are meticulously reviewing all available evidence, including prison CCTV footage. This ongoing investigation aims to comprehensively understand the events leading up to Thitisan’s death. The case is of significant public interest, not only because of Thitisan’s notorious conviction but also due to the questions surrounding his death. The conflicting narratives of suicide and potential foul play contribute to the ongoing tension and uncertainty. Further details are expected as investigations proceed, hopefully clarifying this perplexing situation within Klong Prem Central Prison. Thitisan, who was serving a life sentence and had completed three years and six months of his term, was housed in Zone 5 of the prison.
