19-Year-Old University Student Killed in Brutal Hazing Ritual
A freshman university student has died during a brutal hazing ritual by six senior male students in a rice field outside the university campus in northeastern Thailand.
A photo of the victim, Padyos Chonpakdi, 19, a first-year student at Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, appeared on the Facebook page “ANTI SOTUS.”
Senior students from Ban Nong Rawiang, Tambon Nong Rawiang, Muang District took Padyos to a rice field where they said they would play football.
This gathering was actually a hazing ritual according to the student portal Facebook Page poster. The senior students forced Padyos to drink alcohol and then beat him until he became unconscious.
Attempts to revive him, including CPR, were unsuccessful, so he was taken to Fort Suranaree Hospital, about 20 kilometers away. On the way to the hospital, Padyos died.
The date and time were not mentioned in the Facebook Page poster.
Upon learning of Padyos’ death, Ekachai Chonpakdi, 55, returned to Nakhon Ratchasima on Sunday from Nakhon Si Thammarat.
University Student Beg Father for Forgiveness
The six senior students prostrated themselves at his feet and confessed their guilt at the Fort Suranaree Hospital.
During a telephone interview, Mr. Ekachai said the body of his son would be taken to Bangkok for autopsy on Tuesday.
In an initial examination at Fort Suranaree Hospital, Padyos tested positive for Covid-19, but the infection was mild.
School administrators from the student center contacted Mr. Ekachai, telling him that the hazing took place outside the university and was not under their supervision. He was promised, however, to receive full compensation for his loss from the University.
He was informed that the administration would investigate the six seniors and their parents. In accordance with university rules, the students would be dismissed. A police spokesperson told CTN News that legal action would take place and investigators would press charges.
Mr. Padyos’ father also said that he would take legal action against the six senior students and anyone else involved.
The hazing occurred around 11 pm on Sunday, March 13, according to the police spokesperson.
Six senior students arranged the event and invited about 60 first- and second-year students to attend.
