Nong Than to face Singapore's hardest hearts in court

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Nong Than to face Singapore's hardest hearts in court

Published: 28 Oct 2012 at 00.08
Online news: Local News

SINGAPORE : Thai teenager Nitcharee Peneakchanasak has returned to the scene of her double amputation, to seek justice with a case against two big Singapore opponents.

FLASHBACK: HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn donated the prosthetic limbs for the crippled 15-year-old, and watched her progress admiringly. (Bangkok Post file photo)

The Straits Times newspaper reported that her lawsuit against the Singapore Mass Rapid Transit (SMRT) and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) will start Monday, and likely will last more than three weeks.

Nitcharee is known as Nong Than across the entire country. Now 16, she fell onto the SMRT tracks while waiting for a train in April of last year. The oncoming train severed one of her legs below the knee, and the second had to be amputated during her hospital treatment.

The incredible spirit and unfailing smile of the Trang teen have thrilled and touched the hearts of Thais - and many Singaporeans.

But the executives of the SMRT and LTA and their lawyers will claim once again on Monday that the accident was her own fault, and tell the judge she doesn't even deserve an apology or sympathy, let alone damages or compensation.

The Straits Times reported her lawsuit will ask the Singapore court to award her S$3.4 million (85.5 million baht, about US$2.79) in restitution and damages. Doctors in Singapore and in Bangkok have agreed that she will require about 20 changes of prosthetic legs and expensive medical care during her expected life time.

The newspaper said Nitcharee was accompanied to Singapore by her father, Mr Kittanesh, 57, an insurance agent, and her elder sister, Thunravee, 22.

Twelve witness will testify at a trial that the newspaper is expected to last 15 days and end on Nov 19. (Story continued below)

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phetpeter
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Discussion 4 : 28 Oct 2012 at 08.184
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Haven't seen the CCTV footage, but before she fell what was she doin? Was she reading , texting or what? or just standing there? If the case is she was just standing there and the surge pushed her onto the tracks. Then perhaps they are to blame for crowd control on the platform. If texting or reading then absent minded of her situration would make it her fault. then a crowd surge would make her perhaps think the train was there! I wonder?
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airborne
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Discussion 3 : 28 Oct 2012 at 08.183
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It is the Grandmothers and orphans rule of law. When a victim appears to be without means and deserving the jury just gives them money from the deep pockets group.

The case seems to depend on the conditions on the platform and whether there was proper control. Think of the BTS guard who watches the yellow line like his life depended on it. You put one toe on the line and you get a whistle blast, don't move and you get a personal visit. It may be the only place in Thailand where safety comes first.
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tomb
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Discussion 2 : 28 Oct 2012 at 07.412
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Sad story, but even if she was pushed or shoved, would that make it the responsibility for the MRT? Would it be fair to expect them to cough up what is considered outrageous compensation in these parts of the world?
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bkkmatt
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Discussion 1 : 28 Oct 2012 at 04.171
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Am I right to think this or did anyone else have a wry smile when reading the story and finding out her father is an Insurance agent. Surely that's just coincidence or maybe I've lived here too long and I'm just an old cynic.
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