Twist in Nong Cartoon crash saga

Victim's Mum faces agonising decision in lengthy fight for justice which has yet to pay off.

- WISAWAPORN JUKGOLJUN

Nearly 11 years after a horrific car crash changed her family's life forever, Saranya Chamni, 45, is now faced with a devastating decision whether to continue the legal and medical fight for her daughter, Nong Cartoon, or allow her to live out her remaining days in peace.

HOW IT STARTED

On the night of Sept 19, 2014, Namphueng Jaisangiam, then 22, was involved in illegal street racing when she lost control of her modified pickup truck and ploughed into the “Lung Yai Steakhouse” at the entrance of Soi Ekkachai 119 in Bangkok's Bang Bon district.

The crash instantly killed the shop owner, Phanuthat Saksitphan, 42 Ms Saranya’s husband who died using his body to shield their five-year-old daughter, Narasiri, affectionately known as Nong Cartoon.

The impact nonetheless left Nong Cartoon with severe brain trauma. She lost 75% of her brain function, along with her vision and ability to communicate. Her condition required ongoing medical care, and she has remained bedridden for over a decade.

The cost of her care has continued to accumulate, now reaching at least 1.9 million baht.

The driver, Namphueng, now known as Wanthanan Phiewkliang, has failed to take responsibility or pay any compensation.

She has since disappeared, leaving Nong Cartoon’s mother, Saranya, to bear the burden alone for the past 11 years.

A LONG LEGAL BATTLE

On Aug 18, 2015, the Thonburi Criminal Court sentenced Namphueng to two years and six months in prison but reduced the sentence to one year due to her confession and lack of prior criminal record.