So it's all about money at the end.

Posted by Anonymous on April 15, 2010 07:45

Yes its a shame its all about money, that's why we are in this situation. All this could have been avoided with one thing ... SAFETY FIRST

Posted by J D on April 15, 2010 09:06

Was it a freak accident or are manslaughter charges justified? Surely this should not depend on whether both parties can negotiate a settlement. 'Pay up or we may charge you with Manslaughter' seems unjust.

Posted by anonymous on April 15, 2010 12:51

I am sure police can handle the investigation well enough and let the court make a fair judgment of this case. Let's not make wild comments and add salt to wound that the victim's family has suffered for the lost of their beloved son.

Posted by sos on April 15, 2010 14:13

If you have to bear a hefty hospital bill will you still think it is not about money? The family not only have the pain but still have to support all the medical and hospital bills. Spare a thought for the victim's family.

Posted by Anonymous on April 15, 2010 14:30

Initially the victim was in coma and doctor said he will be in vegetative state even he survive. The family has vouched to keep him alive and get alternative treatment to get him well, even when doctor said his chance is almost zero. Had anyone thought of the medical expenses that comes along?

Isn't it fair for the one who cause the accident to bear some responsibility? If the dead boy can speak, he will be asking his friend why he caused his death and break up his happy family.

Posted by Anonymous on April 15, 2010 15:49

Surely this has been interpreted out of context? Understand that according to Thai laws, a settlement by way of compensation to the victim is required even if it's a freak accident.

The family of the victim has to deal with the loss of their boy, and worry about paying for the hospital bills, and at the point before his demise, the running cost in the icu.

Don't think we understand enough details to pass judgement here. They probably have enough to deal with, let's be gentle with our words as a mark of respect and sympathy for these poor folks.

Posted by Tragic on April 16, 2010 07:21

They asked for 11.5 million baht! What ever way you look at it that's one big hospital bill!!

I would say one can reasonably expect the victim's hospital bills to be paid by the survivors of the accident. Personally I would feel obliged to pay that. But I wouldn't be prepared to pay some ludicrous sum in "compensation".

Lets not forget that this was a tragic accident and nothing more. Who can say who was to blame, who was at fault? Maybe the victim contributed to the tragic events himself. Where I come from that's called 'misadventure' and not 'manslaughter'.

To me this is clearly a case of misadventure, and as such no 'compensation' is required.

Thailand however is not a country where people tend to have life insurance, nor do peoples' parents tend to have pensions, your children are your pension. So I can believe there might be a law requiring compensation, in Thailand. These people are Singaporean. They asked for 11.5 million baht. That is outrageous.

Posted by CaptainJack on April 17, 2010 18:00

Outrageous Capt Jack?? How much would be involved if it were a lawsuit in the US?

Posted by Mister Ree on April 17, 2010 22:17

Why do they not put on safety helmets.
Better eco-tourism way in Patong is Kayak or something natural.

Posted by Anonymous on April 18, 2010 01:31

Why do they not have to wear safety helmets?
Better eco-tourism way in Patong is a kayak or something natural.

Posted by Anonymous on April 18, 2010 01:31

Someone has died here. Even with automobile accidents drivers are charged. The article seem to suggest the that the boys future solely rest on the dead boys family. Is this what the police said?

Too much compensation? I'm not sure, taking into long term icu cost in Singapore the surviving boy is obligated to help, Now how do u put a value to such things? Some people think it's too much and how much is enough?

Who should decide? The courts maybe as the independent party.

Posted by Peter pan on April 19, 2010 15:27

SOS:"I am sure police can handle the investigation well enough and let the court make a fair judgment of this case."

it's my understanding that the whole point of the police mediation process is to save court time by settling out of court.

one would hope that the victim's holiday insurance covered medical and repatriation expenses and also that he actually had some.

condolences to everyone involved but another reason why jet skis should be removed from phuket's beaches other than those used by lifeguards who are trained to use them.

Posted by another steve on April 28, 2010 11:21