Dad suspects foul play in navy deserter’s death

The navy yesterday clarified details about the death of a recruit in Chon Buri’s Sattahip district after his father alleged he had been attacked.

Thamrongchai Songdej died on Monday in an intensive care unit at Somdech Phra Nangchao Sirikit Hospital where he was admitted on April 5 and diagnosed with acute kidney failure, according to the navy.

His father, Nathanarong, demanded on Thursday that the navy explain his son’s death. He claimed his son told him during a hospital visit that he had been set upon by others.

Vice Adm Pokkrong Monthatphalin, a navy spokesman, insisted yesterday there was no foul play involved.

Thamrongchai, who was detained at a prison at Sattahip naval base for deserting, fell ill on March 26 when working outside the prison with others. He recovered after taking some rest and returned to work as normal.

However, the recruit complained about…