The death of Cadet Pakapong Tanyakan

Family and lawmakers demand justice after 'lenient' verdict in military trial

- WISAWAPORN JUKGOLJUN

After nearly eight years, the tragic death of young cadet Pakapong “Moei” Tanyakan reached a devastating conclusion last week. The Supreme Military Court sentenced two senior cadets to just four months and 16 days in prison, sparking widespread public criticism over the apparent disparity in penalties between military personnel and civilians accused of similar offences.

WHAT HAPPENED TO PAKAPONG?

Pakapong, aged 18, enrolled as a first-year student at the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School (AFAPS) in Nakhon Nayok when the semester began in May 2017, but he died after five months in the school.

On Aug 23, 2017, he was admitted to the AFAPS Hospital for treatment of a head injury after senior cadets allegedly forced him to perform a “Kangaroo” headstand in the school bathroom until he fainted.

Medical records noted a 4cm abrasion on his scalp and low blood pressure. He was advised by the doctor to avoid strenuous activity for seven days and refrain from doing exercises that involve lowering the head below the body, as this may cause a drop in blood pressure.

However, according to his sister Supicha Tanyakan, he was ordered to sprint on Aug 30 despite his sickness.

Two months on, on Oct 15, 2017, Pakapong and other freshmen were woken in the middle of the night for workouts in an 8x8 metre, poorly ventilated room known as the “sauna.” Pakapong was told to assume a position as if he were holding a plank.