Former Thai Police Officer "Joe Ferrari" Found Dead in Prison Cell Under Suspicious Circumstances

A former Thai police officer known as "Joe Ferrari," who gained notoriety for his lavish lifestyle and extensive collection of luxurious sports cars, died recently under mysterious circumstances while serving a life sentence in a Bangkok prison. Officials have initiated an investigation to clarify the events surrounding his death.

The officer, whose real name was Thitisan Utthanaphon, was convicted of murder in 2022 following a disturbing incident caught on video in 2021. Footage that emerged publicly showed Thitisan and six other police officers in the act of torturing a 24-year-old suspect named Jirapong Thanapat. During this brutal interrogation, they wrapped several plastic bags around Thanapat's head and attempted to extort approximately $60,000 in the process, leading directly to his tragic death.

After the shocking viral video surfaced, authorities conducted a raid on Thitisan's home in Bangkok, uncovering a garage filled with expensive sports cars and luxury vehicles. Thitisan subsequently surrendered and was sentenced to life imprisonment for his role as the leading officer involved, prompting public outrage and highlighting issues surrounding police brutality and corruption in Thailand.

Thailand's Department of Corrections confirmed in a recent statement that Thitisan, aged 44, was discovered unresponsive in his cell on Friday night. He was found seated against the cell door, displaying bruised fingers and showing no pulse. Initial footage from CCTV revealed no signs of anyone else entering his cell, yet an autopsy is underway to determine the exact cause of his death.

Additionally, authorities revealed that Thitisan, who had already spent over three years in prison, was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder and regularly expressed fears about being harmed by fellow inmates. He had received psychiatric care as recently as February and was scheduled for another session later this month.