Seven Sa Kaeo Police Officers Face First Torture Law Charges

Seven police officers have been indicted by the Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) under the Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act. This marks the first case under the Act and is connected to the alleged torture of an innocent suspect, Panya Khongsaenkham, in Sa Kaeo two years ago. The officers allegedly coerced a confession from Mr. Panya for a murder committed by others.

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The case involves the murder of Buaphan Tansu, Mr. Panya's wife, who was later confirmed to have been killed by teenagers, including a police officer's child. The Department of Special Investigation (DSI), along with police and prosecutors, conducted a thorough investigation. It was revealed that Mr. Panya was wrongfully detained overnight in an interrogation room instead of being immediately transferred to investigators.

Journalists played a pivotal role when they discovered CCTV footage showing the actual perpetrators, leading to significant developments in the case. The investigation led to recommendations for the indictment of eight police officers under various sections of the law, though charges against the police station superintendent were dropped. Mr. Panya has been compensated 500,000 baht following the case resolution.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · Bangkok Post · 19 May 2026