The Lawyers Council of Thailand has taken up the case of Aung Ko Ko, a 37-year-old Myanmar national who allegedly died under torture by Thai soldiers in January 2024.
The move follows a formal complaint by human rights group Fortify Rights, pressing for an independent investigation.
At a Bangkok press conference, the Lawyers Council confirmed its involvement after receiving key evidence from Fortify Rights.
Dr. Wichien Chubthaisong, President of the Lawyers Council, acknowledged the concerns and pledged action.
“We’ll set up a working group to look into the facts and collect evidence from the relevant departments. Then we’ll figure out the way to help, whether it’s through civil or criminal actions,” he said.
“The Lawyers Council of Thailand’s commitment to this case is an important step toward ending torture in Thailand and ensuring justice for Aung Ko Ko and his family,” said Matthew Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Fortify Rights.
“An impartial special investigation into Aung Ko Ko’s death will help ensure justice and prevent future acts of torture,” he added.
On Jan. 12, 2024, four Thai soldiers detained Aung Ko Ko near a wooden bridge in Mae Sot District, Tak Province. Witnesses reported that three soldiers brutally beat him with a wooden implement.
Fortify Rights reviewed photographs confirming severe bruising, while an official autopsy cited a “head injury caused by physical assault.”
On Nov. 14, 2024, Fortify Rights released a 44-page report, Death at the Thai-Myanmar Border, detailing flaws in the police investigation. A Thai-language version was submitted to the Lawyers Council.
Thai military officials denied involvement, blaming an unspecified “Karen ethnic armed group.” However, multiple witnesses, including Chor Ror Bor security volunteers, identified the perpetrators as Thai soldiers.
“The claim that this killing occurred in Myanmar is not only inconsistent with the facts but also undermines the prosecution of Sirachuch, who was convicted in Thai courts for manslaughter in Thailand, not Myanmar,” said Smith.
Fortify Rights has urged Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to conduct a thorough probe. The DSI, under the Ministry of Justice, has teams focused on cases of torture and enforced disappearance.
Aung Ko Ko’s family remains determined to seek justice. “It’s not easy, because we are not up against ordinary citizens,” said a family member. “We are not discouraged, but we are scared. Because we want the truth. Because a person died, we also hope for their response.”
Thailand’s legal framework, including the Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act, guarantees protection from extrajudicial killings and torture.
“We share Thailand’s stated commitment to ending torture and impunity,” said Smith. “We‘re grateful for the important work of the Lawyers Council of Thailand and remain hopeful that justice will be served.”
