Bangkok: "Lawyer Decha" expressed confidence that the prosecutor would present a detailed and thorough indictment in the high-profile "Tangmo" case. The central issue revolves around determining whether negligence occurred. He disclosed that Tangmo's mother harbors no resentment towards anyone and will defer to the court's decision.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Decha Kittiwittayanan, the plaintiff's lawyer, commented on the progression of the Tangmo case after the defendants, Por-Tanupat Lerttaweewit and Robert-Paiboon Trikanjananan, confessed to all charges on March 2. This led to the separation of the other four defendants into a different case, with a verdict expected today. The court's ruling will hinge on whether the incident was an accident or negligence, with additional considerations of incitement and false reporting. Lawyer Decha affirmed his trust in the police and prosecutor's evidence, noting that the prosecutor, alongside Tangmo's mother as a co-plaintiff, had prepared the case thoroughly from the outset. The meticulous detailing of the indictment aims to address public skepticism and prevent exploitation of the verdict.
Ms. Panida Sirayutthayothin, Tangmo's mother, has reportedly accepted the court's decision and extended forgiveness to all parties involved.
The defendants who confessed and those who denied charges differed in their involvement. Pok and Robert, who were operating the boat, have already begun compensating Tangmo's mother, agreeing to pay approximately 9 million baht over 20 years. In contrast, the four passengers claimed no responsibility for Tangmo's safety, arguing that the duty lay with the boat operators.
The potential negligence largely stems from alcohol consumption, as the defendants allegedly prepared drinks and invited others onto the boat. Lawyer Decha highlighted the absence of safety measures, such as life jackets, and the delayed reporting of the accident as factors contributing to the negligence claim. He emphasized that the prosecutor's lawsuit has been comprehensive in detailing each party's responsibility and urged for honest criticism of the court's verdict to avoid contempt.
Addressing suspicions of murder, Lawyer Decha noted that no evidence or motive has been found to support such a claim. A simulation of the incident revealed no indicators of murder, reinforcing the current focus on negligence.