The Lawyers Council of Thailand has officially established a working group to investigate the case of Myanmar national Ko Aung Ko Ko, who was tortured and killed by Thai soldiers, according to a statement released by Fortify Rights. On January 12, 2024, four members of the Thai military arrested, tortured, and killed 37-year-old Ko Aung Ko Ko near Ban Toi village in Tha Song Yang district, Tak province. Ko Aung Ko Ko was serving as a volunteer member of the community-based security force known in Thai as Chor Ror Bor, which was organized and trained by Thai authorities.
During the interrogation, Thai soldiers questioned Ko Aung Ko Ko about why a Myanmar national was wearing a Chor Ror Bor uniform and proceeded to beat him severely. Despite other Chor Ror Bor volunteers confirming that Ko Aung Ko Ko was a legitimate volunteer member, the Thai soldiers refused to release him and continued beating him with wooden clubs until he died from his injuries at the scene. Although eyewitnesses have testified about the involvement of Thai soldiers in the killing, Thai authorities have only prosecuted a Myanmar national named Sirachat, while no Thai military personnel have been charged in connection with the case.
Matthew Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Fortify Rights, personally testified at Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI) in Bangkok on November 7, 2023, presenting evidence collected by the organization. However, on February 18, 2025, the DSI informed Fortify Rights that they would cease their investigation into the case without providing any explanation for their decision. In response, the Lawyers Council of Thailand has formed a working group consisting of five lawyers to conduct further investigation into the case and explore legal avenues to achieve justice. The case has raised significant concerns about potential cover-ups by high-ranking officials, with the Lawyers Council now representing perhaps the only hope for justice in this matter.
