Van-crash girl is not a 'killer'

Burin Kantabutra’s referred definition of the word “killer” still does not entitle him to brand the underaged driver in the van crash as a killer. The girl did not kill. “Kill” is a verb defined as “to put to death, to murder or execute” – a direct and intentional act. Legally, her act is tantamount to manslaughter – “unlawful homicide without malice aforethought”. In Khun Burin’s previous letter, the word “murder” was implicitly mentioned in relation to the case. Although one should regard the girl and her parents in lower esteem for causing the tragedy (which is painful enough), to brand her a killer or a murderer is cruel and far from the truth. 

The punishment she received may not be proportionate to the tragedy but, being a juvenile, the court used retribution justice in allowing a chance to the offender to re-enter society after having properly compensated the affected relatives. The relatives appeared content after the judgement. 

The judges had an advantage over us in hearing both sides rather than relying on media information alone and give one’s judgement.

Songdej Praditsmanont

Bangkok