Six policemen, including the former chief of Nakhon Sawan police station nicknamed Joe Ferrari, have been sentenced to life imprisonment for torturing a drug suspect to death.

The policemen detained 24-year-old drug suspect Jeerapong Thanapat, at Nakhon Sawan station.

The suspect’s head was covered with plastic bags during questioning which killed him.

A video clip of the questioning was leaked, even though surveillance cameras at the scene were removed afterwards.

The sentences were commuted from the death penalty because the six confessed to some acts, attempted to resuscitate the suspect and gave financial assistance to the victim’s family.

Joe Ferrari – real name Thitisan Utthanaphon – made further headlines when reporters found 13 luxury cars worth more than 100 million baht at his 60-million-baht Bangkok mansion.

Tourism fee postponed

The 300-baht tourism fee faces a delayed start, and the cancellation of Thailand Pass is expected from July 1.

The Tourism and Sports Ministry said the fee needs further study, such as if the fee should be less than 300 baht for land entry because the average length of stay for these visitors is only 1 or 2 nights.

The ministry also plans to propose the termination of Thailand Pass registration for international visitors from July 1, removing the requirement for inbound foreign tourists to show proof of travel insurance.