Speedboat Accident Background
On the night of February 24, 2023, Thai actress Nida “Tangmo” Patcharaveerapong fell into the Chao Phraya River from a speedboat near the Pibul 1 pier in Muang district of Nonthaburi. Her body was found two days later, and the incident received widespread coverage in local media.
Six suspects were charged in connection with the accident, including speedboat owner Tanupat “Por” Lerttaweewit, boat driver Phaiboon “Robert” Trikanjananun, and others. The Nonthaburi Provincial Court gave Tanupat and Phaiboon suspended jail sentences and ordered them to perform public service. The cases against the other four suspects are still ongoing.
Mother’s Push for Murder Charge
Panida Siriyuthayothin, Tangmo’s mother, plans to petition the Nonthaburi Provincial Court to upgrade the case against one of the suspects from recklessness causing death to murder. She believes she has obtained fresh evidence in the form of an audio clip from a car’s dash-cam after Tangmo’s death, in which the defendant reveals their intentions to kill Tangmo for financial gain.
Although Panida did not name the person in question, it is apparent that she was referring to Tangmo’s manager, Idsarin “Gatick” Juthasuksawat, who is one of the six suspects in the case.
Debit Card Misuse Allegations
In addition to the push for a murder charge, Panida has also asked the police to take legal action against a friend of Tangmo, who allegedly used her debit card after she died. According to Panida, this person, a close friend of Tangmo, used the card three times over a period of three days while rescue workers were searching for Tangmo’s body.
Insurance Payout Controversy
Panida also revealed that the person accused of debit card misuse had received money from an accidental death insurance policy held by Tangmo. The policy paid out one million baht to Tangmo’s adopted daughter, who is the daughter of Tangmo’s personal manager.
Panida had earlier petitioned the court to ask for 50% of the insurance policy benefits as Tangmo’s mother. The case is still before the court, but the mother of the adopted daughter has already received the money.
