Family doubts cause of young soldier’s death at Nakhon Ratchasima army camp

Private Thitikorn Pongwankham, a 20-year-old soldier from Nakhon Ratchasima, was found hanging behind his unit's coffee shop on September 12. His family is questioning the initial conclusion that his death was a suicide. Thitikorn was on leave from September 1-10 to return home, but did not return after his leave ended. His family searched for him but could not find any trace of his whereabouts.

The army stated that no evidence of conflict, violence, or assault was found during their investigation. Thitikorn's body was transferred to a forensic department for examination, and the medical team concluded that he died from asphyxia due to hanging. However, his family remains unconvinced, as Thitikorn had expressed before leaving for his leave that he no longer wanted to continue serving in the military.

His aunt speculated that he might have been dealing with personal issues, including his status as LGBTQIA+. The 2nd Army Area offered the family initial financial assistance and support for the funeral, promising to fully cooperate with the police in their investigation.