Thai Army Colonel Faces Attempted Murder Charges

[webfact]

Colonel faces attempted murder charges

By JESSADA CHANTARARAK

THE NATION

Colonel Saksit Phuklan yesterday was charged with attempted murder relating to a "road rage" incident on June 4 that left Phra Mongkut Army Hospital doctor Hathaiporn "Mor Muk" Imwitthaya severely injured.

Saksit, director of the administrative office of the Royal Thai Armed Forces' Comptroller-General's Department, was accompanied by officers from the Judge Advocate General's Department and lawyers when he reported to Phayathai police yesterday morning to hear the charge against him formally.

Saksit was also questioned by investigators in front of Metropolitan Police deputy chief Pol Maj-General Amnuay Nimmano and Metropolitan Police Division 1 chief Pol Maj-General Wichai Sangprapai, before leaving the precinct without making any comment to reporters there.

Saksit's lawyer briefly said his client wanted Hathaiporn, 34, who remains in hospital recovering from severe brain injuries, to get well soon so she could serve society, and that if he had a chance he would visit her.

Amnuay said all evidence pointed to Saksit as the driver of the car that hit Hathaiporn and police agreed that attempted murder was the most appropriate charge in this case.

Amnuay said Saksit, although he admitted what happened, denied that he had any intention to seriously injure or kill Hathaiporn. Saksit also wanted police to coordinate the assistance of Hathaiporn's family and arrange his visit to Hathaiporn and to talk to her mother.

Amnuay said that after this he would interview Hathaiporn's doctor further about her condition and see whether she could testify. He said the case should be complete and ready to pass on to the court at the end of this month.

Amnuay also commented about some doubts whether Saksit was actually the culprit, saying the police investigation was based on facts and could not just follow rumours. He said everything was clear and everyone was on the same page.

-- The Nation 2011-07-28

[webfact]

Skill, devotion helping doctor recover

By WANNAPA KHAOPA,

MAYUREE SUKYINGCHAROENWONG

THE NATION

Neung, song, sam, see, ha, hok, jet, paet, kao, sip." Dr Hathaiporn Imwitthaya, who is recovering from serious brain injuries, counts from one to 10 in Thai with a speech pathologist under the watchful eye of her mother, Dr Pankorn.

Hathaiporn, better known as "Mor [Doctor] Muk", was run over by a car on June 11 after a quarrel with a teenage girl over a parking issue. This is the sixth week that Hathaiporn, whose brain was 60 per cent bruised, has been undergoing treatment at Phra Mongkut Army Hospital. She remained unconscious for nearly two weeks after the accident.

Many people across the country were worried about her condition and afraid she would not wake up again. But the person most worried of all was her mother.

"I felt like I was in hell. I wished it was me instead of her," Pankorn told The Nation.

Eventually, after nearly three weeks, Hathaiporn regained full consciousness, and amazingly she can now walk and talk again.

Pankorn said she was delighted when she heard her daughter speak again. "I believe she will be able to work as a physician again."

Dr Boonchot Kiangkitiwan, who performed the neurosurgery, said his team worked really hard to save her. It took about four hours remove blood from the affected part of her brain.

"She was in coma. Her case was really challenging for us," said Colonel Siraruj Sakoolnamarka, head of the neurosurgeon team. "Some people might say it was a miraculous recovery when she gained consciousness. To us, being able to do everything according to plan and having nothing unexpected happen during the treatment is a miracle," Siraruj added.

The neurosurgical team, including Colonel Peera Narkla-or, took turns to monitor her condition round the clock while she was in coma.

Muk's brain was X-rayed several times, before and after the surgery.

Siraruj said she would have to keep undergoing scans as they had to keep an eye on any changes.

Meanwhile, physiotherapist Lt-Colonel Wipoo Kumnerddee said ankle weights were being used to train Muk to walk as part of the physical therapy, and she had to play games to stimulate her brain.

EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS

In addition to this main neurosurgeon team, other physicians with different expertise, including infectious diseases, respiratory system, kidney care, and nervous-system diseases, have been helping Muk recover. Each team has three to five members.

Colonel Peerapol Pokpong, director of the department of trauma and emergency medicine, said Muk was his subordinate. She had moved from a Roi Et hospital to work at the hospital in March.

"With her proficiency in acupuncture, Muk has often been sent to the South to treat people, and if the incident hadn't occurred, she would have met patients there in October following her schedule," Pankorn said.

"She will have to undergo treatment for at least three months," she added.

Although no one can guarantee that Muk will be able to work again, her mother and the doctors caring for her hope life for her will return to normal.

While her pending lawsuit remains unclear, people also hope her full recovery will help police identify the assailant. Pankorn was scheduled to give police testimony again on July 22.

Siraruj and Boonchot said it would take about two years of constant training to see if she will make a full recovery and be able to perform her duties again.

Dr Muk can be seen working with her speech pathologist and therapist in a video-clip on www.nationmultimedia.com.

-- The Nation 2011-07-28

[geriatrickid]

This guy is going get it, so he should wipe that greasy smirk off his face before he stands in front of the judge. He picked the wrong girl to try and intimidate and then assault. All of the medical staff at the hospital have rallied behind the doctor and the mother's colleagues, many of whom are senior military officers, have been supportive. Not mentioned is the military discipline this man should face for conduct unbecoming an officer. The man looks every part the type of person that would assault a respected health professional. I'd launch into a further tirade, but I reckon most everyone shares the same views on the destruction of a woman's life and career. He better hope he doesn't need medical care any time soon as he might face an uncomfortable time of it.

[chaoyang]

This guy is going get it, so he should wipe that greasy smirk off his face before he stands in front of the judge. He picked the wrong girl to try and intimidate and then assault. All of the medical staff at the hospital have rallied behind the doctor and the mother's colleagues, many of whom are senior military officers, have been supportive. Not mentioned is the military discipline this man should face for conduct unbecoming an officer. The man looks every part the type of person that would assault a respected health professional. I'd launch into a further tirade, but I reckon most everyone shares the same views on the destruction of a woman's life and career. He better hope he doesn't need medical care any time soon as he might face an uncomfortable time of it.

Bravo!

[Atmos]

he should wipe that greasy smirk

Greasy?

Maybe that is just how he looks?

I can't spot the smirk - and the item does not identify which one is the Colonel - with or without the tie?

I hope there is some justice here, but don't hold out too much hope.

The attempted murder charge may be downgraded, he could be demoted, or transferred to an inactive post.

We shall see.

[EyesWideOpen]

I am getting confused here.... Is this the actual guy that did it? I seem to recall that right after it happened and the military thought she would not regain consciousness, they had a low ranking fall guy come forward and confess. Now that she is awake time for the real culprit to come forward ??? TIT

Edited July 28, 2011 by rhiekel

[otherstuff1957]

There are rumors among Thais that the Col. is taking the fall for someone else.... probably his daughter or daughter's boyfriend, both of whom were with him that night.

[geriatrickid]

he should wipe that greasy smirk

Greasy?

Maybe that is just how he looks?

I can't spot the smirk - and the item does not identify which one is the Colonel - with or without the tie?

I hope there is some justice here, but don't hold out too much hope.

The attempted murder charge may be downgraded, he could be demoted, or transferred to an inactive post.

We shall see.

From other TVF posts

http://www.manager.c...D=9540000075759

Image can be seen on Tan network http://www.tannetwor...aspx?ID=1095829

[Phatcharanan]

He is the guy without the tie.

Just look at that silly haircut..............obviously guilty.

[OzMick]

Judged by his facial characteristics? Lucky for him that he's not black - he'd already be hanging from a tree!

[Thaddeus]

He looks like the keyboard player from Sparks.

[thequietman]

response : look the colonel sternly in the eye, then tell him what he did was wrong (cause he got caught), make him promise not to do it again (dont get caught) and administer a sharp slap to the wrist. move him to an inactive post (make sure that he gets salary rises as per normal wage structure) and wait for people to forget. when a suitable amount of time has passes, promote to general.

p.s dont forget to pay off the lady that you tried to kill. if she wont accept bribe then threaten to kill her and her family.

good luck. hugs and kisses .

[Tanaka]

This guy is going get it, so he should wipe that greasy smirk off his face before he stands in front of the judge. He picked the wrong girl to try and intimidate and then assault. All of the medical staff at the hospital have rallied behind the doctor and the mother's colleagues, many of whom are senior military officers, have been supportive. Not mentioned is the military discipline this man should face for conduct unbecoming an officer. The man looks every part the type of person that would assault a respected health professional. I'd launch into a further tirade, but I reckon most everyone shares the same views on the destruction of a woman's life and career. He better hope he doesn't need medical care any time soon as he might face an uncomfortable time of it.

do you really believe this man is going down for anything? The start of the event at the parking lot was a quarrel between the lady doctor and this man's daughter who assumingly was driving the car. He is taking the rap for her counting on that he won't be doing time for it. His defence against the attempted murder charge being that he did not intend to hurt or kill the doctor. Then by hitting her with his car and run her over, what exactly was his intend? It seems to me a possible example of a frustrated and humiliated teenage girl losing control behind the wheel. Who then, of course, should not be made responsible for her actions. Similar to the young girl who killed nine people with her car in Bangkok. She has not been charged with anything.

[housepainter]

I agree with Gerry ..................... we should hang him the guy because of his smile. Why someone never thought of it earlier in his life I don't know. But to me he looks the sort of guy who would steal a bicycle, chew gum with his mouth open, wear red socks, whistle constantly, think he can sing, drive a Volvo and chew his food 37 times before swallowing.

We all know them.

One in every church pew. You've seen them. Always taking the newest hymn book.

Criminal.

Until proven innocent.

[bangkokbruce]

I find it ironic that this guy faces attempted murder charges for a hit and run accident but the officers that were in charge of beating that poor soldier to death in the south only faces disciplinary action. Where is the justice in Thailand? Shameful. Those in charge of the beating should be court martialed, stripped of their rank and benefits, and imprisoned for murder. It made me sick to see a Army officer offer that soldier's family 30,000 baht for their "funeral expenses". I would have shoved that 30,000 baht down his throat. Shameful. LOS stands for Land of Shame anymore, gets worse every year and Thai's in general except corruption as something good, what kind of mentality is that?

[BigC]

he should wipe that greasy smirk

Greasy?

Maybe that is just how he looks?

I can't spot the smirk - and the item does not identify which one is the Colonel - with or without the tie?

I hope there is some justice here, but don't hold out too much hope.

The attempted murder charge may be downgraded, he could be demoted, or transferred to an inactive post.

We shall see.

i an suspicous because if an Army Colonel could not kill a woman with extreme ease to make her 100 per cent dead then i doubt he would have been a Colonel in the Army as they are taught 1000 ways to kill.

Seems a bit suspcious but then everything does from an outsider looking in. I would have thought that if i got ont he wrong side of a Thai Colonel and pushed him then my time for breathing would be very very short in a matter of short moves.

[SteeleJoe]

As for what he will get away with or how guilty he is; there's some good cause to believe he is covering for his daughter with the idea (originally) that he could not be dealt with by the police, only the military (who of course would treat him gently); supposedly a certain someone has taken personal interest in his case and that's why it's not going to go away so easily.

i an suspicous because if an Army Colonel could not kill a woman with extreme ease to make her 100 per cent dead then i doubt he would have been a Colonel in the Army as they are taught 1000 ways to kill.

Errr...no, "they" are not. And I'm not aware that he was even some sort if super high speed special forces operator (who don't learn "1,000 ways to kill"), let alone a Ninja in some cheap Hong Kong action flick or lame novel.

The only killing that a Colonel is typically going to have been taught to do -- at most -- is shooting a sidearm and assault rifle, calling in an airstrike, or calling for artillery.

None of the above means would likely be employed in a moment of rage behind the wheel, I shouldn't think.

Edited July 28, 2011 by SteeleJoe

[beammeup]

I find it ironic that this guy faces attempted murder charges for a hit and run accident but the officers that were in charge of beating that poor soldier to death in the south only faces disciplinary action. Where is the justice in Thailand? Shameful. Those in charge of the beating should be court martialed, stripped of their rank and benefits, and imprisoned for murder. It made me sick to see a Army officer offer that soldier's family 30,000 baht for their "funeral expenses". I would have shoved that 30,000 baht down his throat. Shameful. LOS stands for Land of Shame anymore, gets worse every year and Thai's in general except corruption as something good, what kind of mentality is that?

I totally agree it made me sick to read about that poor boy being kicked to death by his superiors in order to "repair him". These animals should be put away. I wonder if they even feel remorse. I doubt we will see justice done here as that case has very little publicity. He wasn't a doctor.

[rodcourt49]

This guy is going get it, so he should wipe that greasy smirk off his face before he stands in front of the judge. He picked the wrong girl to try and intimidate and then assault. All of the medical staff at the hospital have rallied behind the doctor and the mother's colleagues, many of whom are senior military officers, have been supportive. Not mentioned is the military discipline this man should face for conduct unbecoming an officer. The man looks every part the type of person that would assault a respected health professional. I'd launch into a further tirade, but I reckon most everyone shares the same views on the destruction of a woman's life and career. He better hope he doesn't need medical care any time soon as he might face an uncomfortable time of it.

..and what's all this about wanting to visit her to appease his actions..haven't they ever heard about not approaching a complainant or witness in a pending legal action. One would think the complainant would have a restraining order out against him by now..If it was me I would be very concerned about my safety!

[Colin Yai]

There are rumors among Thais that the Col. is taking the fall for someone else.... probably his daughter or daughter's boyfriend, both of whom were with him that night.

You may well be right,any way IMHO the outcome of the trial will be far from satisfactory as far as the injured lady is concerned .

[Tywais]

i an suspicous because if an Army Colonel could not kill a woman with extreme ease to make her 100 per cent dead then i doubt he would have been a Colonel in the Army as they are taught 1000 ways to kill.

Based on the OP his position appears to be that of a 'bean counter'. Not exactly special forces material.

[BigC]

As for what he will get away with or how guilty he is; there's some good cause to believe he is covering for his daughter with the idea (originally) that he could not be dealt with by the police, only the military (who of course would treat him gently); supposedly a certain someone has taken personal interest in his case and that's why it's not going to go away so easily.

i an suspicous because if an Army Colonel could not kill a woman with extreme ease to make her 100 per cent dead then i doubt he would have been a Colonel in the Army as they are taught 1000 ways to kill.

Errr...no, "they" are not. And I'm not aware that he was even some sort if super high speed special forces operator (who don't learn "1,000 ways to kill"), let alone a Ninja in some cheap Hong Kong action flick or lame novel.

The only killing that a Colonel is typically going to have been taught to do -- at most -- is shooting a sidearm and assault rifle, calling in an airstrike, or calling for artillery.

None of the above means would likely be employed in a moment of rage behind the wheel, I shouldn't think.

OK i exagerated on the 1000 ways to kill but the army are specialists in killing and part of that is knowing a few simple basic moved to kill plus allot of Thais know allot more when it comes down the hand to hand combat.

"rrr...no, "they" are not."

if you tell me that soliders are not specalists killing machines then i think u might be talking out the rear end of your so and so.

anyway judging by your knowledge about the Thai army u must have soent time with them. So how was your service. Or are u just putting it down the guess work.

This is a way to find out. go and film yourself picking a fight with a Thai solider and then we can see what happens with this reasearch.

lol. soliders cannot fight with their hands .....don't make me laugh

[BigC]

I find it ironic that this guy faces attempted murder charges for a hit and run accident but the officers that were in charge of beating that poor soldier to death in the south only faces disciplinary action. Where is the justice in Thailand? Shameful. Those in charge of the beating should be court martialed, stripped of their rank and benefits, and imprisoned for murder. It made me sick to see a Army officer offer that soldier's family 30,000 baht for their "funeral expenses". I would have shoved that 30,000 baht down his throat. Shameful. LOS stands for Land of Shame anymore, gets worse every year and Thai's in general except corruption as something good, what kind of mentality is that?

I totally agree it made me sick to read about that poor boy being kicked to death by his superiors in order to "repair him". These animals should be put away. I wonder if they even feel remorse. I doubt we will see justice done here as that case has very little publicity. He wasn't a doctor.

this sort of thing happens in all armys around the world including the British army. In the British army there has to be a minium of 2 deaths before they launch an investigation. Or it is probably labelled a training accident.

[BigC]

i an suspicous because if an Army Colonel could not kill a woman with extreme ease to make her 100 per cent dead then i doubt he would have been a Colonel in the Army as they are taught 1000 ways to kill.

Based on the OP his position appears to be that of a 'bean counter'. Not exactly special forces material.

it doesn't take much force to kill a woman. even someone with no mitery experience could do it. the army might be a bit more cleaner and a bit more accurate than the average person

[Artisi]

i an suspicous because if an Army Colonel could not kill a woman with extreme ease to make her 100 per cent dead then i doubt he would have been a Colonel in the Army as they are taught 1000 ways to kill.

Based on the OP his position appears to be that of a 'bean counter'. Not exactly special forces material.

it doesn't take much force to kill a woman. even someone with no mitery experience could do it. the army might be a bit more cleaner and a bit more accurate than the average person

From your posts on this subject, sounds more likely that you are talking - to quote your own words " ................... out the rear end of your so and so"

[EyesWideOpen]

Rumor among the Thais is that this is NOT the guy who was driving. This is also what the mother of the doctor believes as well. He is in fact the fall guy for some idiot kid of a high ranking soldier who was actually driving the car. I think the Thai way is to save face is to come up with a fall guy, have a trial, justice is served, he spends a few months in jail, then he quietly walks out the back. Spend some time in a temple, change your name, and get right back into the swing of things.

[Heng]

Actually it's the way for anyone with the power to do so, regardless of nationality.

[MegaRanter]

Judged by his facial characteristics? Lucky for him that he's not black - he'd already be hanging from a tree!

As a black man, I am deeply offended by your stupid remark, I have not received a less courteous treatment from anybody, be it Thai or an Aussie.

You should stop all the bar girl nonsense that you ve picked up. Thai treat everyone equally, if you are an arse, they treat you like an arse, whether you are pink, white or green.

[SteeleJoe]

if you tell me that soliders are not specalists killing machines then i think u might be talking out the rear end of your so and so.

anyway judging by your knowledge about the Thai army u must have soent time with them. So how was your service. Or are u just putting it down the guess work.

This is a way to find out. go and film yourself picking a fight with a Thai solider and then we can see what happens with this reasearch.

lol. soliders cannot fight with their hands .....don't make me laugh

I actually do know quite a lot about how armies work and even about the Thai army. I have served among the better of my country's and worked with Thailand's as well.

A comptroller is not a specialist killer in any army. The average soldier -- even infantry -- in almost any army -- the RTA included --is trained primarily in the basic arms with a modicum of hand to hand at best. Even most special operations personnel, though certainly well trained in hand to hand, don't learn a thousand ways to kill or anything even remotely similar. But the army has a huge array of jobs within it and a vast range of training programs for the various jobs. By far support personnel are the majority of any army and they do NOT typically get extensive training in any form of combat arms as their job simply has nothing to do with that and military forces don't waste time and a great deal of money training people to do things that they will never be tasked to; moreover, people who sign up for a support job in the military very often don't want that sort of extensive training and/or aren't up to it -- it's hard. And dangerous. (Ranger School for example might graduate 60% of a class of very fit young soldiers who have already been through the arduous and demanding Jump School. SF training is in many respects even harder).

These are generalizations but they hold true for the most part -- a slight exception is that officers sometime get extraneous training so that their uniformed and more importantly "jackets" (personnel files) look good and advance their career -- that's why you see a lot of officers that are not in Airborne units with jump wings or even US Army Ranger tabs (and I can tell you from experience foreign officers have been known to just barely survive Rangers school -- but they are no longer failed as it is bad PR).

Doubt or mock me all you want -- what possible difference could it make to me? But in fact you are making a fool of yourself by doing so whether you or anyone knows it or not. Accept it or don't but I do know what I'm talking about and it is from a certain amount of experience.

You, on the other hand -- you've been watching too b movies reading to many cheesy novels or both.

Edited July 29, 2011 by SteeleJoe

[OzMick]

Judged by his facial characteristics? Lucky for him that he's not black - he'd already be hanging from a tree!

As a black man, I am deeply offended by your stupid remark, I have not received a less courteous treatment from anybody, be it Thai or an Aussie.

You should stop all the bar girl nonsense that you ve picked up. Thai treat everyone equally, if you are an arse, they treat you like an arse, whether you are pink, white or green.

I am sorry if I offended you. I was trying to point out that a previous post judging a person's guilt or innocence by the look on, and of, his face was ridiculous, especially in the case of a person of different race to the poster. As he is an American, I presumed to use his own country's history of racial discrimination to make my point.