The first mediation attempt failed to reach an agreement. The "MFU doctor" who hit three students, killing two and seriously injuring one, brought a garland to apologize and promised to ordain to dedicate merit. Initially, he offered a lump sum compensation of 250,000 baht after earlier six-figure proposals, which the families deemed inadequate for the loss and impact experienced, demanding 8 million baht per person. This led to unresolved negotiations requiring another meeting following procedure.
At 1:00 p.m. on 15 Sep 2026, reporters reported on the shocking accident at the Nang Lae traffic light intersection, Nang Lae Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Rai District. Dr. Kamon Ratchakom, a medical professor at Mae Fah Luang University, drove a car that struck a group of MFU students on motorcycles stopped at the signal, resulting in two first-year female students dying and one seriously injured on 25 Aug. After the incident, officials tested Dr. Kamon's blood alcohol level, finding none, and he did not flee the scene. The case has entered the justice process, with police collecting evidence, including CCTV footage, to press charges for negligent driving causing death and serious injury.
On 15 Sep 2026, both the doctor responsible and the families of the injured and deceased met with investigators at Ban Du Police Station to negotiate compensation and damages. The initial mediation was tense, with Deputy Superintendent Rattanapol Bangngern and Investigator Panawat Atsungnoen mediating. Relatives of the three victims attended: 1) Ms. Nichapha Promtong, 19, from Nan Province, died at the scene on 25 Aug; 2) Ms. Alfarin Kaso, about 18, from Pattani Province, seriously injured on the day and later died on 29 Aug; and 3) Ms. Patchareepon Nakornchan, 18, from Chonburi Province, seriously injured and under close medical care.
During negotiations, Dr. Kamon brought a garland to apologize to the victims’ families and expressed his condolences. The family of the injured student accepted the garland, while the families of the two deceased, deeply grieving, refused to accept it and would not look at Dr. Kamon.
Regarding compensation negotiations, the two sides could not reach an agreement. Initially, the doctor offered 100,000 baht per deceased family and 50,000 baht for the injured, but the families demanded 8 million baht each. This impasse meant the first mediation had no conclusion, requiring further meetings as per procedure.
After the negotiations, Dr. Kamon Ratchakom, the doctor involved, spoke to the media with a somber tone, acknowledging that the compensation figures and offers between him and the families had not aligned, so no agreement had been reached at this stage.
When asked about the amount he considered appropriate and compensating for the loss, Dr. Kamon said that the loss of life is priceless because a person's life is too valuable to quantify in money. He expressed deep regret over the incident and recognized that no amount of money could replace the lost lives, so he could not specify a clear figure at this time.
Dr. Kamon also revealed that he has not been idle; he has gathered assets to provide initial financial assistance to the victims’ families according to his means. He has met with investigators and given statements about the incident. How the case will conclude or whether further negotiations will occur depends on legal processes and procedures.
Mr. Bundit Singhabut, the lawyer representing the victims, said that during this mediation, Dr. Kamon personally met the families to apologize and prostrate before the bereaved relatives to express remorse and seek forgiveness. This expression was a psychological matter, while legal responsibility and compensation issues must continue through proper procedures.
Additionally, the doctor informed the victims’ families of his intention to ordain to dedicate merit to the deceased, hoping this would show his remorse for the incident. However, this ordination and expression of regret do not conclude the compensation matter, and both sides must continue discussing details.
Regarding compensation amounts, Mr. Bundit explained the victims’ families allowed the doctor’s side to propose a figure first. The doctor initially offered a six-figure amount in the low hundred-thousands, but the families found this unsuitable given the loss and impact and countered with a seven-figure demand in the millions.
However, the victims’ lawyer reserved disclosing the exact million-baht figure publicly, to avoid interpretations that the families were placing a monetary value on life or loss. The figure is part of ongoing negotiations to find a fair compensation amount following legal procedures.
Subsequently, the doctor’s side provided 250,000 baht as initial compensation to help ease the victims’ families’ distress. The families agreed to accept this amount with the clear understanding that it was a total sum, not 250,000 baht per family.
Mr. Bundit further explained that the 250,000 baht must be shared among all victims’ families, so each family’s actual share will be less than 250,000 baht. The families see this amount only as initial aid, not a final settlement of compensation.
Thus, discussions remain ongoing between the two sides, with victims’ families insisting on appropriate compensation reflecting their loss, while the doctor’s side is still considering the families’ million-baht proposal, leaving the first mediation without final agreement.
If the parties cannot agree on compensation amounts, the next step is expected to be court mediation, providing an opportunity for both sides to negotiate and reach a legal resolution.
The case remains under judicial process. Negotiations on compensation and expressions of remorse are part of mitigating the impact and do not determine criminal liability, which depends on evidence gathered by investigators and court proceedings.