A military-run committee probing the mysterious death of 18-year-old cadet Pakapong "Moei" Tanyakan, has concluded it was caused by sudden heart failure, not assault, according to a source.
A meeting of the committee, chaired by ACM Chawarat Marungruang on Tuesday evening, rejected previous speculation that Pakapong died as a result of physical assault, said the source, who asked not to be named.
However, ACM Chawarat yesterday said the findings were only 90% complete, and should be concluded and submitted to the Supreme Commander today.
Pakapong's family, which criticised the military's handling initially, hinted yesterday it was unlikely to accept the panel's findings.
Pakapong's mother Sukanya Tanyakan wrote on Facebook yesterday, "You can choose what kind of person to be. I am just an ordinary person. But I have my honour and dignity. All Thai brothers and sisters, those who love Nong Moei, please consider this yourself."
His sister Supicha said the military investigation will not stop her from taking legal action against the armed forces, she said. The law requires police to investigate 'unnatural deaths', and Pakapong's is no different.
Pakapong's father Pichet declined to comment yesterday.
Pakapong died on Oct 17, a day after he returned to the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School after a short break. The academy provided a death certificate indicating he had died of sudden cardiac arrest but gave no details, his family said.
The family later secretly removed their son's body from a cremation ceremony at a temple on Oct 24 to undergo an autopsy at the Central Institute of Forensic Science. The autopsy found that his heart, bladder, stomach and brain were missing while his skull was filled with tissue. The army later returned the organs to the family.
Pakapong's medical history and his record of receiving treatment at the pre-cadet school's medical room clearly correspond to statements given by his friends that he was not in good health and had frequently received health care at the medical room, the source said.
The army panel realises the public believe Pakapong died due to assault, so it intends to make out its case for health problems by drawing on the evidence.
