Assumption University student Piyathida Chotemanas died after falling through the door of the moving bus, hitting her head on  the pavement on Ramkhamhaeng Road.

Her parents, Nam and Lakkana Chotemanas, filed a Bt12-million civil suit for negligence against six defendants: driver Tawin Saengdet; bus service operator Thanasit Worachotehiransiri; bus owner Ruekchai Ruang-kittiyosying; the 207 Bus Co; bus route concessionaire Chao Krasaechon; and Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA).

The court yesterday ruled the accident was caused by the driver's failure to close the door and the fact the bus was unfit for public service.

It dismissed the defendants' claim that the family had already received Bt750,000  from an insurance company and could not sue for more damages. The court ruled Piyathida's parents could sue for their lack of future support.

The court dismissed the claim against the bus owner, but the remaining defendants were ordered to pay Bt256,211 in medical bills, Bt250,000 funeral expenses, and compensation of Bt10.747 million at 7.5 per cent interest per year until total payment has been made.

The compensation sum - to be paid at Bt46,000 per month for the next 20 years - was based on what Piyathida could have potentially earned over 20 years, her being an excellent international finance management student with strong skills in Japanese and English.

The defendants did not say whether or not they would appeal.

Piyathida's father said he was gratified the defendants had been ordered to pay.

"Today my daughter's life is not wasted ... at least her case has set a standard for society," said Nam.

Kesinee Taengkhieo

The Nation