Thailand's National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has received an investigation file from the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) concerning alleged misconduct by more than 40 state officials connected to the death of actress Nida "Tangmo" Patcharaveerapong. The DSI submitted more than 54 case files, containing tens of thousands of pages, to the NACC after an investigation prompted by complaints from Tangmo's mother, Panida Sirayutthayothin, and activist Atchariya Ruangrattanapong. Those named for scrutiny include investigators from Provincial Police Region 1 and staff of the Central Institute of Forensic Science. Tangmo died after falling from a speedboat on the Chao Phraya River on the night of 24 February 2022. Her death, and the official investigation that followed, have remained subjects of intense public debate in Thailand. NACC has 30 days to consider case According to Pantep Puapongphan, chairman of the Thsiland Watch Foundation, the NACC now has a 30-day period to consider the DSI material. If it considers the allegations not serious, the case could be returned to the DSI. If further evidence is needed, the commission can ask the DSI to carry out additional inquiries. Should it find grounds for action, it may formally identify offences under Thailand's 2018 Organic Act on Anti-Corruption. Picture courtesy of Manager Online Pantep said the referral meant the matter had not been closed, contrary to what had previously been suggested. Atchariya alleged that officials from several agencies had worked together to distort the justice process in order to assist people who were on the boat. He also claimed that false evidence and testimony had been created or given during the investigation and court proceedings. These are allegations that will now be assessed by the NACC. Dispute over evidence and injuries The original official account held that Tangmo went to urinate at the rear of the speedboat, fell into the river and was fatally cut by the boat's propeller. However, campaigners have challenged that conclusion for more than four years. They cite, among other issues, new analysis of injuries to Tangmo's thigh and right knee, which they say may indicate injuries sustained before her death rather than propeller wounds. Pantep said three deep wounds around the back of her right knee led him to believe the case was not an accident. That interpretation has not been established by a new court ruling. On 2 September, Pantep, actress Khwan Usamanee Waitayanon, Dr Thawatchai Kanchanarin and Tangmo's mother also brought photographs to Muang Nonthaburi Police Station. They said images belonging to Khwan and another woman, identified as Dada, had allegedly been used in court as evidence and labelled as photographs of Kratik. Pantep alleged that Khwan's image had been altered and its timestamp changed. He said another image showed a different boat carrying five or six people and had been used without the owner's permission. Tangmo's mother lodged a police complaint over the matter. Join the discussion? 3 September 2026
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