Two workers at zip-line firm charged over death of Chinese tourist
Two male employees of the zip-line company surrendered to police yesterday to face charge of recklessness in relation to a Chinese tourist's death on Monday in Chiang Mai's Mae Rim district.
Thaweesin Pongpanasawat, 31, and Athiwat Orkha, 23, said they were sorry that the tourist died while using the zip-line service. However, they said they did not think their recklessness would lead to her death. They also apologised to the deceased woman’s family, insisting it was an accident.
Santi Pitikham, the Flying Squirrels company owner, affirmed that the company would be responsible for the loss. He said the insurance policy, which clients were required to sign before using the zip-line, would pay the family Bt1 million in compensation, while other agencies would provide Bt300,000 in total. “If the relatives want to ask for more remedial measures, we will be willing to negotiate,” he said.
According to the police report, a worker at the zip-line facility’s 12th station released the Chinese tourist immediately after releasing an Isreali woman, when he should have released on person at a time. Releasing two individuals at the same time weighted down the base sling and increased the speed of movement, which is why the worker at the receiving station could not catch them at the same time. This is why the victim hit the sling stopper at high speed and her neck was immediately snapped due to the impact. The Isreali tourist also sustained injuries.
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