Nonthaburi: The Nonthaburi Court has dismissed the negligence case against the defendants in the Tangmo incident. The court ruled that San-Kratik-Job, the defendants in the case, were not guilty of negligence in the drowning of Tangmo, who fell from a speedboat in the Chao Phraya River.
According to Thai News Agency, the Nonthaburi Provincial Court delivered its verdict in criminal case number A.292/1566. The plaintiffs, including the Nonthaburi Provincial Prosecutor and Ms. Panida Sirayutthayothin, had accused Mr. Wisapat or San Manomairat and four others of negligence leading to Tangmo's death. The charges also included false reporting and destruction of evidence regarding the incident that occurred on February 24, 2022. Throughout the proceedings, all defendants denied the allegations.
Lawyer Decha, representing the plaintiffs, emphasized the negligence aspect of the case, detailing how the defendants' actions, such as inviting Tangmo to the boat and consuming alcohol, might have led to the incident. The lawyer cited these actions to demonstrate negligence in the court. Despite the detailed arguments, the court found the defendants not guilty of negligence. It was concluded that Tangmo fell into the river on her own, and the passengers were not legally responsible for each other.
One of the defendants, San, expressed relief at the verdict, noting that the case had been a three-year ordeal filled with various accusations. While San was acquitted, Mr. Nitat or Job was found guilty of destroying evidence to obstruct justice and was sentenced to four months in prison with an additional fine, alongside a suspended sentence for another offense.
Phim Thammathirasri, who had advised the defendants but was not present on the boat, was not charged with negligence. The court's decision was based on evidence suggesting Tangmo's fall was accidental, and there was no legal obligation for the defendants to ensure her safety. The court acknowledged attempts were made to assist Tangmo, but due to the river's depth, they were unable to rescue her.
After the verdict, San and her lawyer shared their feelings of relief and expressed their desire to move on from the case. They refrained from commenting on potential lawsuits against those who spread false information during the trial. Tangmo's mother, Ms. Panida, also expressed relief and indicated she would not pursue an appeal, preferring to conclude the matter.
The defendants, except for San and her lawyer, declined interviews as they left the courthouse, signaling the end of a prolonged and challenging legal process.