Lampang: The court scheduled the first mediation session in the case of the assistant village headman who was driving under the influence and hit a family of three, including a toddler who did not survive. The incident involved a former assistant village headman crashing into a family as they were leaving a coffee shop, leading to the tragic death of their 2-year-old daughter, Termfan.
According to Thai News Agency, the accident occurred when a speeding pickup truck collided with a parked sedan, subsequently striking the family walking roadside on the Lampang-Ngao road. The incident resulted in severe injuries to the child's mother and a close call for the father, alongside the loss of young Nong Termfan. The driver, Mr. Dech, who refused a breathalyzer test, was injured and later released on bail.
At Lampang Provincial Court, a mediation session was organized involving the victims, the owner of the sedan, and the pickup truck's owner. During the session, Mr. Dech admitted to the charges but claimed financial incapacity to compensate the victims. He disclosed having limited funds and mentioned that the bail money was sourced from his nephew. The pickup truck was sold, leaving him with no means for compensation.
Mr. Pongthep Ruangtham, a volunteer lawyer in the mediation, stated that Mr. Dech confessed to all criminal charges. Further documentation will be gathered from the victims, and another meeting is planned for the end of September. The court-appointed defense attorney will discuss potential compensation methods with the defendants and their families to support the victims.