Army Orders Mental Health Checks for Trainers After Chiang Mai Abuse Incident

[webfact]

Defense Minister Suthin Klangsang. Picture courtesy: Wikimedia

 

Defence Minister Suthin Klangsang has ordered a mental health checkup for all army supervisors and trainers nationwide. The directive follows a disturbing incident at a Chiang Mai training camp where 10 privates were subjected to naked abuse by two non-commissioned officers.

 

In a tense meeting with top military officials, including Gen. Ukrit Boontanon and Lt. Gen. Anupha Sirimonthon, the minister addressed the troubling events at the 25th Cavalry Battalion of the 4th Cavalry Regiment, King’s Guard. Reports revealed that a corporal and a sergeant, allegedly intoxicated, forced the privates to strip naked, stand in the rain for six hours, and endure physical abuse.

 

The incident came to light when the sister of one of the victims took to a community Facebook page, Sai Mai Tong Rod (Sai Mai District Must Survive), to report the abuse. She detailed how the privates were slapped, kicked, and stomped on, with many sustaining internal injuries.

 

Minister Klangsang received an initial army report but demanded more details. He learned that the incidents occurred twice, in March and August, and that those responsible had already been investigated and punished. However, he emphasized the need for a thorough review to ensure that the punishments were appropriately enforced. 

 

The abuse incidents, occurring near border camps with stricter protocols, highlighted the potential for stress-related abusive behaviours among supervisors. In response, Klangsang stressed the importance of revising regulations for disciplinary investigations and court-martials. He also confirmed the formation of a committee to ensure adequate punishment for those found guilty.

 

Recognizing the potential for stress-induced abusive conduct, Klangsang ordered mental health checks for all supervisors and trainers across training camps nationwide. This move aims to prevent future incidents and ensure the well-being of both trainees and instructors.

 

-- 2024-08-06

 

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[ChrisY1]

Another way of saying.."we don't care what people say"....mental checks will solve this tragic thuggery issue!

[brianthainess]

Will they get them drunk first ?....if not it's pointless.

[phetphet]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

and that those responsible had already been investigated and punished. However, he emphasized the need for a thorough review to ensure that the punishments were appropriately enforced. 

 

The article doesn't say what the punishment was. Making it severe enough to deter others might be better than wasting money on mental health checks.

[roo860]

'He also confirmed the formation of a committee to ensure adequate punishment for those found guilty.'

 

Got to have a committee, like other Thai committees will be totally useless. 

[mania]

corporals like this one are eventually a victim of friendly fire if ever on a real battlefield 😉

[watchcat]

17 minutes ago, mania said:

corporals like this one are eventually a victim of friendly fire if ever on a real battlefield 😉

 

I doubt he will ever be on a real battlefield.

[Tropicalevo]

8 hours ago, webfact said:

Defence Minister Suthin Klangsang has ordered a mental health checkup for all army supervisors and trainers nationwide.

 

They should start with the generals.

[roo860]

My trainers are anything but mental. 🙃

[spidermike007]

I suggest they also order mental health checks for every single general in the Thai military, and while they're at it they should have a forensic accountant look at their finances. 

[newbee2022]

And who will check the Generals/Govt ???

There are an overwhelming lot of cases in Thailand. 

No name mentioned.

[hotchilli]

8 hours ago, webfact said:

Reports revealed that a corporal and a sergeant, allegedly intoxicated, forced the privates to strip naked, stand in the rain for six hours, and endure physical abuse.

Court Marshall them..

[hotchilli]

3 hours ago, mania said:

corporals like this one are eventually a victim of friendly fire if ever on a real battlefield 😉

Unlikely to happen in Thailand then, knowing how quickly they roll-over in battle.

[Burma Bill]

10 hours ago, webfact said:

has ordered a mental health checkup for all army supervisors and trainers nationwide.

 

Those found unfit for military service, pack them off to Pattaya for employment as "bouncers"!

[PETERTHEEATER]

5 hours ago, watchcat said:

 

I doubt he will ever be on a real battlefield.

Certainly not on a horse.....😋

[Will B Good]

 

 

Suely what they need are hard and fast policies, legally binding, that they understand and adhere to......???

 

No end of mentalists in every walk of life......no good trying to screen them out.

[BangkokReady]

7 hours ago, phetphet said:

The article doesn't say what the punishment was.

 

Their captains will get drunk then make them stand naked in the rain while they whip them with rubber hoses.

[Will B Good]

Just now, BangkokReady said:

 

Their captains will get drunk then make them stand naked in the rain while they whip them with rubber hoses.

 

 

Tell me that's not a little movie on loop in your mind.

[BangkokReady]

1 minute ago, Will B Good said:

Tell me that's not a little movie on loop in your mind.

 

No.  I'm obviously saying that the higherups of the guilty parties will do the same thing to them that they did to their subordinates.

[Maybole]

Will the mental tests include shining a torch in one ear and seeing if the beam comes out the other?

[Will B Good]

1 minute ago, Maybole said:

Will the mental tests include shining a torch in one ear and seeing if the beam comes out the other?

 

 

No. You are getting mixed up with how Trump picked his VP pick, Shady Vance.

[jcmj]

They should have been immediately removed and then hit with the charges that fit the crime of abuse. No need to waste time with a committee. These idiots, and any others definitely need their heads checked, but after they have been removed. 

[Emdog]

"..a mental health checkup for all army supervisors and trainers nationwide."

Ah, but what is the baseline for "acceptable mental health"? There's the rub.

Thais are taught from day one to bow down and never question their "superiors" in the schools. Those who question are trouble makers. The military is just a slightly more extreme version of what Thais encounter in everyday life.

[john donson]

great job for psychos... many of them everywhere

[watchcat]

21 hours ago, Tropicalevo said:

 

They should start with the generals.

 

Yes, but who should tell them to take a mental health test. ?

[actonion]

Why not do Mental Health checks  for at least half the country's population while they're at it, they sure need it.

[redwood1]

7 minutes ago, actonion said:

Why not do Mental Health checks  for at least half the country's population while they're at it, they sure need it.

 

I think we need mental health checks for all posters on this forum.

[fredwiggy]

On 8/6/2024 at 9:47 AM, mania said:

corporals like this one are eventually a victim of friendly fire if ever on a real battlefield 😉

What battlefield might that ever be? I know it needs a military to keep order with protestors, but the police can handle those. I know the problems with terrorism need to be kept in check in southern Thailand, so there is a need, but does it have to be so big, and have a need for warships, submarines and high tech aircraft. As far as the trainers, abuse never works in training, and only creates anger. Anger that can spill over into personal life.

[actonion]

On 8/7/2024 at 10:39 AM, redwood1 said:

 

I think we need mental health checks for all posters on this forum.

Good idea, as long as it includes you