The family of an inmate who reportedly died of heatstroke after being disciplined by prison staff has demanded an investigation, believing that he was beaten to death by prison staff.

On 7 April 2017, Kobkiat Kasivivat, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Corrections (DC), revealed that Suriya Supharak, 47, imprisoned for drug-related offences, died in Takua Pa District Prison in southern Phang Nga Province on 1 April 2017.

According to prison staff, Suriya died from heatstroke after he was ordered to lie down and roll over in the prison yard under the midday sun as punishment for fighting with another inmate.

Suriya’s family, however, believe that he was beaten to death, saying that his body was covered with injuries and bruises.

They told the media that Suriya had earlier told them that he was regularly beaten by a prison officer who is an ex-soldier, adding that the officer had attempted to contact them to come to an agreement, but they refused as they plan to file a complaint against him.

The police investigation officer of Takua Pa District Police Station also reported that Suriya’s body was covered with injuries. So the police sent his body to Surat Thani Hospital for a post-mortem examination.

Wirayut Supharak, the brother of the victim, demanded that the DC remove the prison staff in charge of the cell Suriya was detained for the time being to protect witnesses, adding that it has been a week since the death of his brother, but nothing has been done.

He said his family will march to Takua Pa District Prison with Suriya’s body if nothing is done.

Kobkiat told the media that it is still too early to make conclusions about the death of Suriya and that he has ordered the head of the Department of Corrections Region 8 to investigate the incident.