(BANGKOK, November 14, 2024)—Following the publication of Fortify Rights’s 44-page report, Death at the Thai-Myanmar Border, Thailand’s Defense Ministry and the Parliamentary Committee on Armed Forces agreed to investigate the killing of Myanmar National Aung Ko Ko on the Thailand-Myanmar border.
Speaking to French media outlet Agence France Presse on November 14, 2024, Thailand’s Defense Ministry spokesperson Major General Thanatip Sawangsang responded to the report, saying “We are in the process of investigating and looking for the facts, but Thailand has always given priority and importance to human rights, equally to everybody.”
Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, the Chair of the House Parliamentary Committee on Armed Forces, also confirmed receipt of Fortify Rights’s report and told Thai media outlet Prachathai that he is unafraid of opposition and is committed to ensuring fairness for the people of Myanmar. He said: “Some might worry whether [the committee] taking this up is the right move, fearing it could stir another ‘pro-Myanmar People’s Party’ sentiment. But humans are humans. If we claim to hold Thai national values but lack humanity, how are we any different from ‘electric poles’ merely planted in this kingdom?”
Death at the Thai-Myanmar Border is a 44-page report documenting a yearlong investigation by Fortify Rights into the detention, torture, and killing of Myanmar national Aung Ko Ko on the Thailand-Myanmar border. The report provides a detailed account of how four Thai Army soldiers detained Aung Ko Ko on January 12, 2024 in Mae Sot District, Tak Province and how three of those soldiers then tortured Aung Ko Ko, who later died from his injuries. The report also highlights problems with the Thai police investigation into Aung Ko Ko’s death and the trial and conviction of a 24-year-old Myanmar national, Sirachuch, who goes by one name and was an eyewitness to the torture of Aung Ko Ko. Fortify Rights seeks to support the Thai authorities in ensuring justice and accountability for the death of Aung Ko Ko, including through an impartial, thorough, and transparent investigation into his death.