Speedboat Driver Changes Story Over Nida’s Death
In a police statement on Tuesday, the speedboat operator admitted to causing the boat to lurch causing TV program star Nida to be thrown overboard to her death.
Phaiboon “Robert” Trikanjananun told police investigators that he had almost no experience driving a boat, but he still wanted to try it on the night of Feb 24.
On that night, he and five other people, including TV program star Nida “Tangmo” Patcharaveerapong, were on a speedboat in the Chao Phraya River.
The TV program star fell into the Chao Phraya River when the speedboat suddenly lurched as Nida was getting up from the rear left section of the boat.
Police said they would have to wait about a week from now for further forensic examination results. In this way, they can determine the cause of the deep cut on Nida’s left thigh. Consequently, another charge may be brought, police said.
According to Pol Maj Gen Yingyos Thepjamnong, Royal Thai Police spokesman, the five people on the speedboat also admitted drinking on the vessel on Feb 24.
Based on available evidence and witnesses, he said negligence caused the death, not murder.
Forensics Due on Speedboat Saga
Meanwhile, the former chief of the Central Institute of Forensic Science has been asked to conduct a new autopsy on Nida “Tangmo” Patcharaveerapong, as the late actress’ mother has doubts about the first one, according to her lawyer.
According to Kristina Sriboonpimsuay, who represents Panida Sirayootyotin, Tangmo’s mother, the case has many suspicious elements.
He would ask the Royal Thai Police Office to request Khunying Porntip Rojanasunan, former director-general of the Central Institute of Forensic Science, to perform a fresh autopsy.
Krissana spoke Monday at the main police station in Nonthaburi province. According to him, there are doubts about the forensic findings in the case. No details were provided.
During the meeting, the lawyer said he would meet with Dr. Khunying Porntip, who is now a senator. He believed she could handle the matter. Both Ms. Panida and Tangmo’s elder brother had doubts about the case, he said.
In a press conference on Monday, Dr. Khunying Porntip told reporters that she was willing to give advice, but could not perform the autopsy.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Jirapat Phumijit, commissioner of the Provincial Police Region 1, said on Monday that the autopsy results are being compiled as quickly as possible over the speedboat accident.
According to the commissioner, interrogators had already questioned 65 witnesses in the speedboat case.
According to Police Major General Yingyos Thepjamnong, the spokesperson for the Royal Thai Police Office, as of Tuesday a deputy spokesman for Provincial Police Region 1 will provide a daily update on the case at the regional headquarters.
