Villagers from Thap Sakae in Prachuap Khiri Khan, where the alleged cannibal Si Quey once lived, on Monday asked the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to help release his body from Siriraj Hospital so they can hold a proper funeral service.

Their request followed an earlier online campaign requesting the hospital release his preserved cadaver, which has been displayed in the hospital's museum after he was executed by firing squad in 1958.

"Si Quey was a member of our community. We want to show society that he wasn't a cruel person as perceived by the public," said village representatives as they submitted their petition to NHRC commissioner, Angkhana Neelapaijit.

Ms Angkhana promised she would examine the petition and determine whether the NHRC has the legal jurisdiction to deal with the matter.

Si Quey was accused of murdering seven children, removing their organs, before boiling them and eating them.

He was arrested in Rayong in 1958 and confessed to the murders, but denied the charge of cannibalism.