In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community, a couple from Buri Ram has been handed severe prison sentences for their heinous attack on a high school student. The perpetrators, 21-year-old Jetsadaporn and his 25-year-old wife, Angkana, will spend 35 and 25 years in prison respectively for their roles in a vicious acid attack that nearly claimed the life of 18-year-old Natthikarn “Aum” Khairum.
The harrowing incident unfolded on the evening of August 27 last year as Natthikarn was enjoying a meal with her family in a restaurant located in Buri Ram’s Nang Rong district. Without warning, the young couple doused her with a horrifying, acidic liquid, causing life-altering injuries. Natthikarn lost her left ear and came perilously close to losing sight in her left eye, requiring four months of intense medical treatment.
This violent eruption of rage did not spare the innocent bystanders; Natthikarn’s grandmother and uncle, who were present during the attack, sustained acid burns as well. The motive for this savage act is rooted in a bitter revenge plot. Earlier, Jetsadaporn had been implicated in a child abduction case linked to his previous relationship with Natthikarn, a legal battle that drained his savings and left him fuming with resentment.
Initially, the couple was charged with grievous bodily harm. However, upon reexamination, the charges were elevated to attempted murder, reflecting the severe and premeditated nature of their crime. Representing the victim, lawyer Phattarapong Supakson elucidated that the Nang Rong Provincial Court initially sentenced Jetsadaporn and Angkana to death. As their crime did not culminate in a fatality, their sentences were mercifully reduced to life imprisonment.
The court further adjusted their sentences, reducing them to 25 years owing to the couple’s admission of guilt. However, the scales of justice weighed heavier on Jetsadaporn due to his prior involvement in the child abduction case, adding an extra 10 years to his prison term. Additionally, the court has mandated that the couple pay a substantial compensation of approximately 2 million baht to Ms. Natthikarn’s family, a gesture of reparative justice for the indescribable suffering they inflicted.
This case has highlighted the brutal consequences of unresolved personal vendettas and the extreme measures individuals might resort to. It underscores the importance of emotional regulation and the dire need for legal mechanisms to protect innocent victims from such acts of revenge. As Ms. Natthikarn embarks on her journey towards recovery, the gravity of this incident serves as a somber reminder of the destructive power of unchecked malice.
This was such a brutal attack. I can’t even imagine the pain Natthikarn went through. 35 and 25 years don’t feel like enough for what they did.
I agree. They should have gotten life without parole. Acid attacks are like a slow death.
But they initially got life sentences, which were reduced. Isn’t some leniency warranted for admitting their guilt?
Admitting guilt doesn’t erase the trauma they caused. Natthikarn will live with her scars forever.
I think we also need to discuss the root cause of their actions. Without addressing why someone would do this, it might happen again.
You’re right. Unresolved anger and broken systems lead to tragedies like this. Counseling and support are crucial.
What about the justice for those bystanders, the grandma and uncle? They didn’t ask to be involved but suffered too.
Good point. They should also receive compensation. The emotional and physical trauma is significant.
If the legal system accounted for every family member affected, the fines would be astronomical. It’s tragic all around.
But they were directly harmed. They deserve justice just as much as Natthikarn.
This case is horrifying. What kind of society are we living in where people think this kind of revenge is acceptable?
It’s a reflection of deeply-rooted societal issues. More emphasis on mental health and conflict resolution could help.
Totally agree. Prevention should start with education and mental health resources.
Are we overlooking that the culprits were fairly young? There’s got to be more to their story.
I feel so bad for Natthikarn. Will she ever fully recover? The compensation alone can’t restore her life.
After everything, she deserves a chance to rebuild. I hope support systems are in place for her.
The couple deserved the severe sentences given by the court. There has to be a strong deterrent for such heinous acts.
Can’t help but wonder if the judicial system is doing enough to deter these kinds of violent crimes.
Why does it take such violent crimes for us to talk about mental health issues? We should be proactive, not reactive.
Because addressing mental health is expensive and complicated. It’s easier to slap on severe punishments after the fact.
But isn’t the long-term societal cost of ignoring mental health higher? Delaying the problem doesn’t make it go away.
Isn’t it absurd that money can be a form of justice? No amount of compensation can undo the trauma caused.
True, but it’s the system we have. Financial compensation is one way to provide some form of reparation.
At least the money can help with medical bills and therapy. It’s not perfect, but it can make life a bit easier.
It’s heartbreaking to read about the long-lasting consequences on Natthikarn and her family. Such violence shatters lives.
It’s also important to talk about the legal system’s swift and effective response. Justice was served.
I feel like this case should set a precedant for other acid attack cases. The sentences need to be severe enough to deter future incidents.
Absolutely. If people see that such actions have dire consequences, they might think twice before committing such acts.
Exactly, it’s about setting a clear example that this type of violence will not be tolerated.