Disabled Thai man hit by Japanese driver urged to seek justice at ICJ
A Japanese man collided with a Thai man in a car accident, leaving the latter disabled. However, Thai police allegedly released the foreign suspect and advised the victim to pursue justice through the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
The 25 year old Thai man, Atirut Antarin, and his 60 year old mother, Siriluck Antarin, sought justice at the Dhamrongdham Centre of the Ministry of Interior, urging officials to hold the Japanese man to account. The accident occurred seven months ago, and the Japanese man has since returned to his home country.
Atirut reported to officials that the accident took place outside a fruit market in the eastern province of Rayong at approximately 2.35pm on May 23 last year. The Japanese driver, Kubota Minoru, cut in front of his motorcycle while attempting a U-turn.
Atirut was unable to stop in time and collided with Minoru’s hatchback. He suffered broken leg and hip bones as a result of the crash. He was forced to resign from his job, losing an income of over 30,000 baht per month, and has been unable to find new employment suitable for his current health condition.
Atirut’s mother, Siriluck, told officials that she demanded 2 million baht in compensation from the Japanese man, but the foreigner only offered 250,000 baht. They did not accept it and were unable to reach an agreement until the Japanese man left Thailand.
Police deny allegations
Siriluck revealed that the car involved in the incident belonged to a Thai woman who was accompanying the Japanese man on the day of the accident. When she sought advice from officers at Mueang Rayong Police Station about her next steps, she claimed the police told her to seek justice elsewhere.
“You must seek justice for yourself at the ICJ.”
Siriluck added that the police appeared to side with the suspect and the owner of the car. She expressed her despair and financial hardship, stating she could no longer operate her shop as before, as she had to care for her injured son.
Officers from Mueang Rayong Police Station denied the allegations, telling Thai news agencies that no one suggested the victim or his mother seek justice at the ICJ. They claimed they did not even know what or where the ICJ was.
The police promised to press charges against the Japanese man should he return to Thailand. They added that they attempted to contact the foreigner once but were informed he could not travel to Thailand due to illness.
The police did not clarify what steps they would take if the Japanese man fails to return to Thailand, as claimed.
Latest Thailand News
