**The ex-officer’s alleged suicide comes as suspicions arise over the circumstances of his death, prompting an investigation.**
**Former Thai Police Chief Found Dead in Jail Following Murder Conviction**
**Former Thai Police Chief Found Dead in Jail Following Murder Conviction**
**Mystery surrounds the death of Thitisan Utthanaphon, notorious for police brutality.**
Thitisan Utthanaphon, infamously known as "Joe Ferrari," has been found dead in his prison cell in Bangkok, Thailand, sparking renewed outrage and speculation. The former police chief was serving a life sentence after being convicted in 2021 for the murder of a drug suspect, Jirapong Thanapat, who died during a brutal interrogation that was captured in a harrowing video leaked to the public. A preliminary autopsy indicates that Utthanaphon may have died by suicide, but his family has raised doubts about this conclusion, prompting authorities to launch an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
The shocking video revealed officers wrapping plastic bags around the head of the 24-year-old suspect, which ignited widespread condemnation and an outcry against police brutality in the nation. Following Utthanaphon's death, the footage has resurfaced on social media, reviving discussions on abuse within law enforcement in Thailand. The justice ministry is under pressure to provide transparency in the investigation, with Minister Tawee Sodsong emphasizing the need for complete disclosure of evidence.
Concerns over Utthanaphon's treatment in prison have emerged, as his family reported previous assaults by jail staff. Although corrections officials stated that there were no signs of foul play, the family’s inability to view his body has heightened suspicions. Known for his lavish lifestyle and a collection of luxury cars worth millions, Utthanaphon’s life and career came to a dramatic end after he surrendered to authorities in 2021, amidst a manhunt following the outrage caused by the video.
As investigations continue, family members and observers alike are calling for justice and answers, while some media speculate whether this tragic event signals a deeper dysfunction within Thailand's correctional and judicial systems.
