FORMER Democrat MP Watchara Phetthong yesterday suspected foul play behind a police lieutenant colonel who was found dead a few days after he submitted a petition challenging two orders from the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).

The orders cancelled the posts of inquiry officials, a move many believe will pave the way for police reform.

Lt-Colonel Jan Chaisawas, who was a senior inquiry official at the Bangkok-based Thien Talay Police Station and secretary-general of the National Federation of Inquiry Officials, submitted the petition at the government’s complaint-receiving centre on Monday.

It was addressed to Prime Minister and the NCPO chief General Prayut Chan-o-cha.

“I heard from him that after he submitted the petition his boss heaped huge pressure on him but I don’t know exactly which boss,” Watchara said.

Jan was found dead at his house yesterday morning with a strap around his neck.

Watchara believes Jan was murdered. The former MP, who accompanied Jan during the petition |submission, said he felt as if he was being trailed by someone the past few days.

“Jan didn’t commit suicide,” Watchara said.

He said Jan was about to be promoted to colonel and there was no reason for him to take his own life.

Jan’s wife Arom, a teacher, also could think of nothing that would cause her husband to kill himself.

Thien Talay Police Station superintendent Colonel Yos Wititpaphatham-rong said he had been arranging a party to congratulate Jan on his pending promotion.

Watchara urged Prayut to take responsibility for what had happened and take remedial action.

He also called on the Department of Special Investigation to be assigned to handle the investigation into Jan’s death, and for respected pathologist Khunying Dr Porntip Rojanasunan, deputy permanent secretary for the Justice Ministry, to help with the autopsy.

Metropolitan Police acting chief Lt-General Sanit Mahathavorn said national police commissioner Chakthip Chaijinda had assigned him to handle the case.

Police are checking recordings from security cameras near Jan’s house and his cellphone records.

Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan said he did not think Jan’s death was related to any government measures. “Let police investigate the case,” he said.