Chilean Cyclist Francisco Villa Killed in Thailand - Update

[fdimike]

I came across a posting in Bicycle Thailand today regarding this subject. Francisco's widow Jennel has outlined what has happened to this case and it's not very pretty. In fact it's downright sad. Here's her letter:

http://bicyclethailand.com/forum/topic/453-francisco-villa-chilean-cyclist-who-died-in-thailand-injustice/

Do you still remember Francisco Villa, the cyclist from Chile who was knocked down by a pick-up in Korat, Thailand? Thank God I - his wife from Singapore - survived despite a broken leg and our baby - Lukas - about 15 months at the time of accident, survived too. A true miracle!

The pick-up driver, Mr Tiwarat Ratchaipidet (64 years old), got a small fine (7500 Bht) and a 1-year jail term that was SUSPENDED. So, even though he killed my husband through reckless driving - he was overtaking illegally into the left shoulder where we were cycling, he is now free and continues to live life as usual; and continues driving.

The reckless driver escaped just punishment by tricking me into signing an unfavourable agreement while I was still recovering in Bua Yai Hospital. My appeal through Pantip for lawyers against the unfair judgement had some response but nothing serious or sustained. I travelled to Bua Yai to see the Public Prosecutor to seek a re-trial against the unfair judgement but I was met with cold indifference. I wrote about my meeting with the Public Prosecutor and it was published as a cover story in The Bangkok Post on 17 May 2015. But nothing happened too. Francisco, did you die for nothing?

The families of the 3 cyclists who died in Chiang Mai on 3 May 2015 has each received compensation of 1.2 million from Mittare Insurance. What about the families of the Malaysian victims who died or were injured in the Doi Saket bus crash on 20 Dec 2015? According to the Chang Mai Governor, Pavin Chamniprasart, ‘state insurance would pay up to 1.6 million baht for each fatality and 850,000 for those injured.’ Francisco’s accident happened on 21 Feb 2015 and until now I have received nothing from Krungthai Panich Insurance (KPI), the perpetrator’s car insurance company.

http://www.nationmul...s-30265894.html

http://www.chiangmai...rent/news.shtml

What can I do to seek justice?

Jennel

Any lawyers out there willing to help this lady?

Attached Thumbnails

• 

[fdimike]

I offered up a suggestion to Bicycle Thailand to open a bank account to seek donations so this woman can hire a lawyer. I'll do the same thing here. I would be happy to donate some money to help this lady. What about the rest of you cyclists?

[bobfish]

Or organise a charity ride. It could raise the profile in the media: perhaps force some response from KPI.

Edit: [just saw the attached thumbnail on the OP and see it has already been done]

Edited February 2, 2016 by bobfish

[fdimike]

I think the charity ride is a great idea. Maybe this is something Bicycle Thailand could organize. If handled right it could go nationwide. If it's ok with you I would like to forward your idea to BT for their review. let me know.

[bobfish]

No problem of course.