Thai Conscript’s Death Raises Questions Over Military Medical Care

Airman Phruetsapha Wimuttithamchai

BANGKOK, March 11 — The family of a Royal Thai Air Force conscript who died last year has raised doubts about the official explanation of his death, questioning the treatment he received during military training.

Airman Phruetsapha Wimuttithamchai, 21, died on July 24, 2025, about two months after beginning his service with the 1st Security Forces Battalion at Don Mueang, according to activists and family members.

The Air Force said the conscript died from a brain abscess, citing medical examinations showing he had been treated multiple times for illnesses including an ear infection and influenza.

But the family says his condition worsened during training and that he received only paracetamol and ear drops despite symptoms including loss of balance, ear discharge and difficulty walking.

According to relatives, Phruetsapha lost consciousness on June 20, 2025 and was taken to Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital, where doctors said he was brain-dead following surgery.

Family members and activists say questions remain about why he was not referred earlier to a hospital and why relatives were not informed about the seriousness of his condition.

The case drew renewed attention after a press conference on Feb. 26, where activists and the family called for greater transparency and accountability over the circumstances surrounding his death.

The Air Force maintains that medical orders exempting the conscript from training were followed and that he was taken for medical treatment when his condition deteriorated.