Nearly 11 years ago, a fateful car crash turned Saranya Chamni’s world upside down. Today, at 45, she’s at a crossroads, torn between continuing her relentless fight for justice or letting her daughter, Nong Cartoon, find peace. It was a calamitous night on September 19, 2014, in Bangkok’s bustling Bang Bon district. Namphueng Jaisangiam, then 22, was racing down the street illegally when her souped-up pickup truck lost control. The vehicle veered off course and crashed into the “Lung Yai Steakhouse” at the entrance of Soi Ekkachai 119, claiming the life of Saranya’s husband, Phanuthat Saksitphan, who heroically shielded their five-year-old daughter, Narasiri, lovingly nicknamed Nong Cartoon, from the impending disaster.
The accident left a permanent mark on Nong Cartoon, causing severe brain trauma, rendering her blind, unable to communicate, and confined to a bed. The road to recovery has turned into a decade-long marathon, punctuated by soaring medical bills now totaling a staggering 1.9 million baht. Meanwhile, the other party involved in this tragic tale, Namphueng, has faded from the picture, evading responsibility and compensation. Her new identity, Wanthanan Phiewkliang, offers no solace to Saranya, who has spent the past 11 years bearing this hefty burden alone.
Saranya’s unending legal battle saw a glimmer of hope on August 18, 2015, when the Thonburi Criminal Court sentenced Namphueng to a mere year behind bars, following reductions due to her confession and a previously clean record. Additionally, a paltry fine of 3,000 baht and a compensation order of 6.3 million baht to Nong Cartoon’s family were levied. Yet, these judgments proved as fleeting as justice itself, with Namphueng failing to reach out or compensate the family post-release.
On a singular occasion, Saranya received a meager 40,000 baht, paid by Namphueng at a police station for shop damages. Meanwhile, Namphueng’s notorious Facebook post from December 27, 2014, mocked the victims, claiming, “I wasted time with this mother and daughter at the steak shop… I paid for my car, and my car was wrecked. Who’s going to pay for that? You guys are selfish, fools. PS I’m just complaining. I won’t pay what they asked for, I’ll stretch it out until the statute of limitations runs out, haha!” And with the statute expiring on September 19 last year, Namphueng pulled yet another vanishing act, allegedly transferring her assets to sidestep obligations.
Despite no financial reprieve, Saranya soldiers on, navigating costs that once ballooned to 100,000 baht monthly for Nong Cartoon’s treatment. Undaunted, she resurrected her steakhouse on Suksawat Road, Ratburana, and amassed a digital following of 219,000 via Facebook, updating the masses on her daughter’s battle and seeking support when needed.
Saranya’s recent updates painted a grim picture: Nong Cartoon grappling with a severe lung infection, tethered to an ICU ventilator for the past three weeks. Faced with the unbearable weight of her daughter’s suffering, Saranya contemplated letting her pass on peacefully. Yet, the public rallied not against Saranya, but the justice system that had long failed them. Rukchanok Srinork, a People’s Party MP in Bangkok, shone a spotlight on the grave disparity between Ms. Saranya’s struggles and Namphueng’s opulent lifestyle, which she flaunts online.
Interviewed by the media, Saranya shared, “I thought about letting her go, thinking that Nong Cartoon has suffered enough, being bedridden for 11 years. But the other day when I visited her, I called her name. She responded, opened her eyes, and searched for the sound. Her fingers twitched. It became so hard to let her go, so I decided that if her condition improved enough for her to leave the hospital, I’ll take her home and care for her myself. Right now, I am looking for a new legal way to fight the responsible party,” she revealed.
Hope glimmers at the hands of Justice Minister Pol Col Tawee Sodsong, who expressed concern over the current judgment’s enforceability. The Civil and Commercial Code’s 10-year statute of limitations challenges Saranya, requiring her to press further for an asset investigation against the now-elusive driver. Despite the expiry, the court may extend the period, drawing attention to this case as a pivotal human rights issue aligned with provisions from the “Justice Fund”.
An alternate avenue emerged courtesy of Kosolwat Inthuchanyong, Director-General of the Office for Rights Protection, Legal Aid, and Enforcement of Judgments, under the Attorney General’s auspices. He proposed converting the civil case into criminal charges, targeting fraudulent asset concealment by Namphueng. Such pursuits hinge on rock-solid evidence, scrutinizing the suspected asset transfers Namphueng enacted to evade fiscal responsibility.
As Saranya continues her arduous journey for justice, her indomitable spirit serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human heart, a beacon for truth and justice, lighting the path for victims seeking redress in a complex legal landscape.
This story is heartbreaking. I can’t believe Namphueng is getting away with this after stealing someone’s family and life.
It’s outrageous how easy it is for someone to evade justice in this system. There should be harsher penalties!
Indeed, and the fact that a public figure is now involved suggests there might finally be some progress.
I agree this is a travesty. But legal reform takes time. Saranya’s perseverance is commendable.
Why doesn’t Saranya focus on her daughter’s health instead of fighting a legal battle she might not win?
Come on, she’s fighting for justice for her daughter and her husband! It’s not just about money.
Maybe, but it seems like a long shot. She really needs to weigh the emotional toll.
This isn’t just about her family. It’s about making sure Namphueng is held accountable so this doesn’t happen again.
Why fight this hard? Just let her daughter rest in peace, and focus on healing herself.
But if you saw your daughter still responsive even after all that, wouldn’t you fight tooth and nail for her too?
I see your point, but it’s so painful to watch both of them suffer.
Saranya’s journey is inspiring. I hope justice prevails, but what’s more important is that she never gives up!
Why did the law let someone like Namphueng change her identity and evade justice so easily?
There are loopholes in the system. Evading justice is shameful, but it’s not uncommon.
It’s chilling how someone can be so heartless like Namphueng, even posting mockingly online about the accident.
That post showed true colors. It’s as if she doesn’t even care how much harm she’s caused.
When will the legal system learn that money can’t bring back lives? Namphueng should be punished, not just fined!
Absolute power play by Namphueng with those asset transfers. Honestly despicable behavior.
Is there any chance Saranya might actually win this fight? The statute limitations seem daunting.
It’s uphill, but her determination along with public support could make a difference.
Agreed, it’s an uphill battle, but the involvement of public figures might turn the tide.
Surely, there must be international attention that can help here. Saranya deserves global support for this injustice.
This is a sad reflection of society’s values. People need to remember justice is a basic right.
Why waste time on a legal battle that the courts already ruled on and that Namphueng is evading?
Seeing Rukchanok shining a spotlight on this gives me hope. Maybe there will be a real change.
Relentless fight for over a decade? Saranya is a true hero against a broken system.