Phuket man paralysed by drunk officer seeks 15 million baht in compensation

The family of the noodle vendor who was shot by a drunk, off-duty police officer last year on Phuket’s Bangla Road is seeking compensation of 15 million baht. The 25 year old vendor was shot in the stomach with the bullet lodged in his spine, paralysing him from the waist down. The officer is now on trial for attempted murder, carrying a firearm in a public area without necessary reason, and firing a weapon in a public area.

Back in February of last year, the vendor was shot in the stomach by the intoxicated officer as he was walking, tending to his customers late at night on the popular walking street. Video footage shows the officer then approaching the vendor, who had fallen to the ground and then shooting at him again at a close range. The officer walked away for a moment and then slaps the vendor in the face, picks him up, shoves him over, and then kicks him before walking away.

The officer had reportedly been drinking for hours and ended up in a heated argument with another man. Reports say he accidentally fired the gun at the vendor walking by.

Surgeons were able to remove the bullet that was lodged in the man’s spine, but he was left paralysed from the waist down. His wife has been caring for him as well as the two children.

After some delays, Phuket Provincial Court held proceedings last week, hearing from witnesses. The court will hear testimonies from the last two witnesses on April 7. A lawyer for the family says the CCTV footage is important evidence that could lead to the sentencing.

SOURCES: Thairath | Khaosod | Matichon| Phuket News