Out Of Sight And Mind, Actress’ Fatal Crash Case Ends Without Jail Time

[Flashermac]

BANGKOK — A Mercedes-Benz caused a fatal impact on the highway, and the well-connected millionaire responsible was allowed to leave the scene without a sobriety test. All hell broke loose online, where a skeptical public criticized the police and complained of a two-tier justice system which shields the wealthy.

 

That was 11 months ago, when actress Anna Reese killed a police officer sleeping in his car in a case bearing many of the same hallmarks as that in the news today. In both Anna’s case and that of Jenphop Viraporn, the media flocked to cover their public displays of atonement, including brief vows of monastic piety – but never contrition.

 

While attempting to rehabilitate their images, parallel efforts were underway to minimize criminal culpability through the power of cash compensation.

 

For many, Anna was yet another reminder of how the privileged seem able to wriggle their way free of accountability. After weeks of much public fury – especially after Anna claimed the officer’s ghost forgave her – the media moved on and her case faded from attention.

 

While the public now waits to see whether Jenphop will be held accountable, it turns out that – without a single mention by the news media – criminal proceedings against Anna ended months ago. The actress remains free.

 

“It’s already over,†said Chantana Wongbundit, wife of Naphadol Wongbundit, the officer killed by Anna in June 2015.

 

Speaking by telephone Tuesday, Chantana said she was not present in court when the verdict was reached. In fact she couldn’t recall the date. As will surprise few online skeptics, Anna was spared any jail time as her sentence was suspended, Chantana said.

 

Reached for comment, Anna’s manager Pattra Saetae said the case was resolved late last year but declined to answer further questions.

 

"The case was already decided by the court," Pattra later wrote in a written statement sent Tuesday afternoon. "The compensation was successfully paid to the victim, and both parties were satisfied. We have been in contact to encourage each other regularly through the Line application."

 

Pattra said Anna is still required to check in with the court and perform community service.

Chantana, who was left supporting two children after her husband was killed, declined to answer other questions about the case, including how much compensation she received from Anna.

 

In August, Anna refused to pay the 6.2 million baht Chantana requested to settle the case, but the parties soon settled for an undisclosed sum. An event was staged for the media where the smiling actress attempted to embrace a visibly distraught Chantana before cameras.

 

Chantana said she will not contest the court verdict.

 

“There won’t be any appeal,†she said.

 

 

http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.php?newsid=1462869344

[pasathai1]

" the parties soon settled for an undisclosed sum" = hired thugs to convince to settle for a low amount are cost effective

[bust]

What a effed up country

[cavanami]

Nooooooooooooooooo, Prayuth *** promised *** to end the corruption....

[Flashermac]

The widow doesn't look very happy with the outcome.

 

[YimSiam]

There are some circumstances where a happy friendly smile is just not the right note to strike... this is one of them.