Songkhla: Medical teams and police are mobilized to quickly identify the bodies of 104 deceased persons at the Prince of Songkhla University's Forensic Medicine Center following severe flooding in Songkhla.
According to Thai News Agency, today at the Forensic Medicine Center, Songklanagarind Hospital (PSU), Pol. Lt. Gen. Trirong Phiwpaen, Deputy Inspector General of the Royal Thai Police, traveled to follow up on the progress of the identification of the bodies of those killed in the flooding. This center has been designated as the sole collection point for the bodies of those killed in Songkhla Province, to facilitate management.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong revealed that as of 8:30 p.m., a total of 104 deceased persons had been sent for autopsy. The bodies came from various hospitals and areas in Songkhla Province and surrounding areas. Among these, the key points to consider are the bodies sent from various hospitals and the 47 bodies recovered by rescue workers from the disaster-affected area. These bodies require a thorough forensic examination to confirm whether the cause of death was due to pre-existing medical conditions or directly related to the flooding.
The Royal Thai Police has sent a central support team to establish a support center to support the work of Provincial Police Region 9.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Wara Wechachapinan, Deputy Commander of Provincial Police Region 9, stated regarding the handling of the bodies of the deceased, that six containers from the Royal Thai Police Headquarters have arrived at the site and are ready to be installed to accommodate the situation.
"Regarding the body collection process, if the family presents a death certificate and identification documents, they can immediately request to receive the body for religious ceremonies," said Pol. Maj. Gen. Wara.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Narin Busaman, Deputy Commander of Provincial Police Region 9, commented on personnel readiness. Initially, three forensic pathologists were stationed at Prince of Songkla University. Investigators from across the province were also mobilized to assist with the work. Within two days, forensic pathologist teams from various agencies will join the team, bringing the total to eight to expedite the identification process.
Officials will begin autopsies and identification, focusing on those whose identities can be confirmed by their families first, as there is a clear personal identity database. This will ensure that the bodies can be returned to their families as quickly as possible.