Crime
TV Program Star Nida’s Death Allegedly Just an Accident
Thailand’s National police chief Suwat Jangyodsuk has said based on evidence so far he believes the death of TV program star Nida “Tangmo” Patcharaveerapong was a result of an accident.
In a statement, he said investigators have been instructed to examine the statements of the witnesses and evidence such as phone records, driving speed, and data from the speedboat’s GPS system.
He said police expect to find out more in the next couple of days when the results of the forensic examination of the TV program star are released.
It took almost two days for Nida’s body to be recovered after she allegedly fell into the Chao Phraya River while on a speedboat with five others on February 26.
After the incident, Tanupat “Por” Lerttaweewit and Phaiboon “Robert” Trikanjananun were charged with operating a vessel without a license and negligence resulting in death.
There were also three others on board: Idsarin “Gatick” Juthasuksawat, Tangmo’s manager; Wisapat “Sand” Manomairat; and Nitas “Job” Kiratisoothisathorn. The verdict is still out on whether they too will be charged with negligence resulting in death.
TV Program Stars’ Mother Slammed
A police source yesterday told CTN News that the five had been summoned for further questioning over the TV program stars’ death.
Netizens have heavily criticized all five for the incident, and above all Nida’s mother was slammed over the financial compensation she received for her daughter’s death.
In the investigation into the actress’ death, at least 29 witnesses have been interviewed.
According to Pol Lt Gen Jirapat Phumijit, the commissioner of the Provincial Police Region 1, the investigation is still ongoing and will take some time.
According to him, the investigation is being handled in a straightforward manner with no interference, and the national police chief is supervising it as well.
Yesterday, marine police recovered two objects from the Chao Phraya River near Phibul Songkhram pier and handed them over for forensic examination. Police searched the river for objects that witnesses claimed to have thrown into it after Nida fell off the speedboat.
The actress’s memorial service will be held at Liberty Church Bangkok from March 11-13 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
