The family of Orachorn "Praewa" Devahastin na Ayudhya, who caused a tollway crash that left nine people dead in 2010, has managed to raise funds to compensate families for their loss, according to deputy permanent secretary for justice, Tawatchai Thaikyo.
Mr Thawatchai, in his role as Justice Ministry spokesman, stated Orachorn's family had amassed funds to pay the court-ordered compensation of an estimated 41 million baht.
Speaking on Facebook, he said the family had assigned its lawyer to gather the required compensation and place it with the court pending discussions with the victims.
Mr Thawatchai advised the family to inform the victims' lawyer quickly once the money had been lodged with the court, so as to avoid paying interest over the late compensation payment.
The latest development came after the Department of Legal Execution (DLE) was reportedly asked by the Justice Ministry to seize and auction off land owned by Orachorn's family in order to raise the compensation money.
The land -- which comprises 31 plots covering a total area of 21 rai in Sam Roi Yot district, Prachuap Khiri Khan province -- was being offered for 50 million baht. Orachorn's family was reportedly seeking to use the proceeds of the sale to pay the court-ordered compensation.
Mr Tawatchai said earlier that the DLE would be asked to step in if Orachorn fails to pay the compensation by Aug 28.
Once the DLE steps in, the entire process would be completed within six months of the Aug 28 deadline, he said.
Sakda Phayungthong, who was brokering the sale on behalf of the family, stressed that he was talking to prospective buyers since the family intended to sell their land as quickly as possible.
Mr Sakda said that since the asking price of 50 million baht was on par with market prices, he was confident a deal would be signed soon.
"If the land sale is delayed beyond Aug 28, the Devahastin na Ayudhya family will mobilise funds from relatives to be put up as compensation," Mr Sakda said.
The Justice Ministry said that the four defendants in the 2010 tollway crash -- which killed nine people and injured four others -- must pay compensation to 25 relatives of victims totalling 41 million baht by Aug 28.
Praewa: Killed nine in 2010 accident
The four defendants in question are Orachorn, who was driving the car that crashed onto the back of a passenger van carrying Thammasat University students and staff on Dec 27, 2010; her parents, and the person who lent her the car.
Orachorn, also known as Rawinbhiron Arunvongse, was 16 at the time of the crash, and was not yet eligible to hold a driver's licence.