Thai Police promise inquiry into Rangers' killing of 14-year-old Muslim boy

[webfact]

Police Promise Inquiry Into Rangers' Killing of 14-Year-Old Muslim Boy
By Khaosod English

NARATHIWAT — Thai authorities have promised to conduct an impartial investigation into the death of a 14-year-old Muslim boy who was shot by army volunteers in the restive southern border province of Narathiwat.

The boy was slain near an outpost manned by a group of Army Rangers on the night of 22 August. The military claimed a group of insurgents on motorcycles opened fire into the base first, forcing the Rangers to shoot back. The boy was later dead found dead with a gun in his hand, according to a military statement.

However, relatives and friends of the deceased have disputed the official explanation and insisted that the boy was merely riding a motorcycle with his friends, none of whom were associated with the insurgents who have been waging a separatist campaign in the region for a decade.

At a police press conference yesterday, high-ranking officials assured the boy's relatives and community leaders that an inquiry has been launched into the incident.

Pol.Maj.Gen. Pattanawut Angkanawin, a police commander in Narathiwat province, said the case has already seen "80 percent" progress, but that police are still trying to establish whether the Rangers' claim of engaging in live fire with the teenagers is substantial.

"Things will be in accordance with evidence and who is implicated in the wrongdoing, be it military officers, police officers, or any other side. They will be strictly brought to legal prosecution in a straightforward manner," Pol.Maj.Gen. Pattanawut said. "The investigation team asks for seven more days before we can send the case to the court, and we will hold another press conference."

"If the officials are indeed guilty of wrongdoing, they will be punished," Maj.Gen. Singhasak Uthaimongkol, a military commander based in Narathiwat, assured the audience. "Laws must be equally applied to everyone. Don't be afraid that I will protect my subordinates. If they are guilty, they will be prosecuted according to the evidence."

The boy's relatives said after the press conference that they were satisfied by the officials' words, but stressed that they will ask for a further explanation once the period of seven days has passed.

More than 6,000 people have been killed in the separatist violence that has plagued the provinces of Narathiwat, Yala, and Pattani since 2004. Several groups of Islamic insurgents are thought to be behind many of the incidents targeted at Buddhist civilians and security officers, though there have also been cases of revenge attacks on Muslims by Buddhist vigilantes.

Human rights activists have criticised the military's occasional heavy-handed approach to stamping out the violence in the southern border provinces, as well as their reliance on Rangers, many of whom are volunteers armed by the authorities.

In March, two Rangers confessed they shot three boys dead and wounded their parents to seek revenge for one of their family members in Narathiwat province.

Source: http://en.khaosod.co.th/detail.php?newsid=1409568467


-- Khaosod English 2014-09-01

[Cloggie]

One movie with Chuck Norris had the same storey where a 'bad' cop always put a gun in the hand of innocent victims, looks like somebody in the army did look at that movie as well.

Come on, a 14 year old boy....

[Thaimaishoe]

"...already seen "80 percent" progress, but that police are still trying to establish whether the Rangers' claim of engaging in live fire with the teenagers is substantial."

Well they have a dead teenager, unless the coroner says he died of asphyxiation, I'm sure the Rangers' claim is quite substantial!

Also, the case is 80% complete, they just need 7 more days to manufacture review the evidence... so the investigation of this event, that happened on the 22nd of Aug (~9 days ago) is already 35 days old!?!?!?! Thai style CSI!!

Edited September 1, 2014 by Thaimaishoe

[halloween]

I wonder exactly what constitutes fun to 14yo muslim boys in a virtual war zone. Having seen the antics of some little mongrels in far more peaceful areas, nothing would surprise me, unless it was something that benefited them or their society.

Of course the parents will accept no responsibility, but how many TVF members would have their children of similar age illegally riding late (??) on a Tuesday night in any area?

[halloween]

Correction - it was a Friday. Haven't changed the calender yet.

[DrLom]

One movie with Chuck Norris had the same storey where a 'bad' cop always put a gun in the hand of innocent victims, looks like somebody in the army did look at that movie as well.

Come on, a 14 year old boy....

You should do a bit of googling about the ages of insurgents and suicide bomber ages...... many are a lot less than 14 years of age (even if indoctrinated)...

[FangFerang]

Police Inquiry Questions to Rangers: "Did you do anything wrong?"

Rangers response: "Of course not."

Case closed, and another fruitful impartial inquiry guarantees restoring happiness to the south.

[ezzra]

Finding how the 14 yo was killed is one thing, are there any finding yet as to how and why more

than 5,000 innocent Thai people were killed in the last few years alone? has any one have been

brought to justice over any of the killings at all?

[KOZMO]

One movie with Chuck Norris had the same storey where a 'bad' cop always put a gun in the hand of innocent victims, looks like somebody in the army did look at that movie as well.

Come on, a 14 year old boy....

Yah right, a 14year old boy!! remember the 5 year olds dropping gernades at your feet in Viet Nam????

Not to mention the 10 and 11 year old suicide bombers thru out Iraq and Afghanistan!!!!!

[smutcakes]

Good luck investigating thee army.