Investigators will continue looking into the death of an actress who drowned in the Chao Phraya river today after new evidence suggests that she suffered wounds unreported by forensic investigators.
The latest twist in the case comes on a day police had said they would close the case on the death of Nida “Tangmo” Patcharaveerapong. Cmdr. Jiraphat Phumchit said the authorities were collecting new forensic evidence after a witness went public with accusations she had injuries that went undisclosed by investigators.
Ekkapun “Tide” Bunluerit, a friend of the actress and rescue foundation volunteer present when her body was found, made explosive allegations to Channel 9 yesterday that he saw broken teeth and bruises on Tangmo’s face, around her right eye, that looked to be the result of blunt force.
“Her right eye was swollen and bruised,” Ekkapun said, adding the contusions did not appear post-mortem.
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The police have denied finding such injuries but have now resubmitted forensic evidence for reexamination.
Ekkapun, 60, said broken teeth were visible when investigators took samples from inside Tangmo’s mouth. He said that he had expected those details to be made public.
“I saw her teeth were broken,” TIde said. “I haven’t said anything before because I thought the process would reveal those results. But to this day, I haven’t seen such reports made, so I came forward to speak.”
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Maj. Gen. Supichai Limsiwawong, chief of the justice ministry’s forensics institute, told reporters additional examination would be required, so tissue samples were sent to Siriraj Hospital.
Ekkapun’s testimony has superheated public suspicions that some kind of cover up has been perpetrated to hide the true circumstances of the 37-year-old actress’ death and shield her companions from responsibility. Tangmo died two weeks ago after reportedly falling from a speedboat into Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River.
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The inconsistent and contradictory testimony from the five people with her when she died fueled speculation of foul play. Earlier this week, the police said one of those present had confessed to mishandling the boat, causing Tangmo to lose her footing and fall.
For now, the authorities consider Tangmo’s death an accident. Two people – Danupat “Por” Lerttaweewit and Paiboon “Robert” Trikanjananun – have been charged with operating an unlicensed vessel and fatal negligence.
Cmdr. Jiraphat also said investigators are intent on dispelling doubts about the case. He told reporters that more than 80 witnesses have come forward, and all the testimony and forensic evidence would be evaluated to get the facts right.
He said any witnesses giving false testimony faces charges as well.
But low public confidence in the police force and its methods have left many unconvinced the case has been properly investigated. Amateur keyboard sleuths have pointed out perceived discrepancies in the case which has become a 24-hour media obsession.
Given the frequency with which the wealthy and powerful are shielded from consequences, many believe those involved will enjoy the same impunity, even if something nefarious occurred.
Tangmo’s funeral will be streamed live by Liberty Church Bangkok starting at 6:30pm this evening. It concludes Sunday.
🖤Rest in peace🖤 #tangmo
Patharatida Patcharaweeraphong
🧚♀️🌼🧚♂️🌼🧚♀️🌼🧚♂️🌼🧚♀️🌼🧚♂️#justicefortangmo #แตงโมภัทรธิดา#แตงโมต้องได้รับความยุติธรรม#แตงโมต้องไม่ตายฟรี pic.twitter.com/tGLH55w5xe— อุ๊ย!! ป้่าพูดได้ไหม🤫 (@paphuddaimai) March 10, 2022
