Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has defended military cadet training standards. Excessive military punishment has come under heavy criticism after the mysterious death of a cadet.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) says that harsh disciplining of cadets could be considered an act of torture if the draft anti-torture law comes into effect.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Gen Prayut said Supreme Commander Thanchaiyan Srisuwan would meet to talk with the family of Pakapong "Moei" Tanyakan whose body was later found to be missing organs including his brain.
Asked about the concern over military discipline, the Prime Minister told the public not to worry. He said he too was disciplined when he studied at the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School.
Maintaining discipline to train and hold military personnel to high standards of both conduct and performance is common around the world, Gen Prayut added.
However, Angkhana Neelapaijit, a National Human Rights Commission member, said disciplining military personnel and cadets could be considered an act of torture if the draft anti-torture and anti-disappearance law is introduced.
Once the legislation is enacted, it will criminalise all forms of physical and mental torture, Ms Angkhana said. Therefore, a system of excessive military discipline would violate the law.
"If the government wants to make human rights a national priority, it should revamp this military disciplinary system," she said.
An inquiry panel will look into the cause of the death of Pakapong. They will examine in detail medical information relating to the cause of the cadet's death, and investigate allegations that Pakapong was excessively punished.
Pakapong's family suspect foul play and have taken his body for a further autopsy to find out the cause of his death.
