Pattaya Chief Justice
Apichart Thepnoo (center) addresses the press after handing down a ruling of
2.3 million baht compensation for each death to the families of two Chinese
tourists killed in last month’s speedboat accident off Bali Hai Pier, a
little less than a third of what they asked for.
Phasakorn Channgam
The families of two Chinese tourists killed in last month’s
speedboat accident off Bali Hai Pier were given 4.6 million baht in
compensation from the boat’s owner and his insurance company at the first
hearing at Pattaya’s new “tourist court.”
The families of Dong Feiyue, 30, and Zhang Tao, 29, filed suit Sept. 5
against the unidentified owner of the Chok Suwanna 17 and his insurance
company, giving the new Tourist Protection Section of the Pattaya Courthouse
its first opportunity to deliver on promises of speedy justice for tourists.
The result was speedy, but not the justice the families were hoping for.
Tao’s wife, Zhui Xiang Hua, 30; and Dong’s wife Yang Xiaojuan, 29,
originally sued for 8 million baht for each of the victims, who were
catapulted out of the twin-engine speedboat and died of broken necks about
200 meters off the pier Aug. 28. Eight others were also pulled from the sea
by marine rescuers. Gu Yuzhang, 32, was most-seriously hurt, suffering a
broken leg and hand and other severe injuries.
Pattaya Chief Justice Apichart Thepnoo said the boat owner and the Mahasan
insurance company objected, with the two sides eventually agreeing to a
settlement of 2.3 million baht for each death. The boat’s owner will pay 2
million baht while the insurance company will cover 2.6 million baht.
Apichart said the plaintiffs left “satisfied” and would not be filing any
further charges. The two women declined comment.
“This case succeeded according to its purpose of the tourism court, the
chief justice declared. ”It was completed efficiently and justly to protect
the rights of tourists resulting in a better image for Thai courts and the
nation itself.”
Kriangkrai Boonsri, 23, the driver of the speedboat, is behind bars in
Pattaya on charges of reckless driving causing death or injuries.
