Law
Legal Dispute Follows Serious Motorcycle Accident Involving Stray Cattle in Lamphun
A 35-year-old man remains paralyzed after colliding with a stray cow in Lamphun, leading to a legal standoff between the victim's family and the animal's owner.
According to a report by Khaosod Online, a 35-year-old man named Pattanapong was left paralyzed on one side of his body following a motorcycle accident on April 17. The incident occurred on the Hong-Kom Muang-Techno Ban Kru road in Lamphun province, when Pattanapong collided with a cow that had wandered onto the road from a nearby forest.
The victim’s mother, Mrs. Sompis, has been seeking compensation from the cow's owner, identified as Mr. Somphet, and the caretaker, Mr. Tham. She reports that despite ongoing communication with the Nikhom Utsahakam Police Station, the owners have refused to negotiate, reportedly telling the family to pursue the matter through the civil court system. Police investigators confirmed that the caretaker had been grazing the cattle in the nearby forest but failed to prevent the animal from entering the roadway. Authorities have indicated that while the incident does not meet the criteria for criminal charges, it remains a matter for civil litigation.
For residents and travelers in rural Thailand, this case highlights the persistent risks posed by livestock on public roads. While the legal path for compensation is clear, the process can be lengthy and complex. It remains to be confirmed whether the family will proceed with a civil lawsuit and if any mediation will occur before a court ruling.