Courts fast track justice

A tourism court will open in Pattaya, 5 September, to speed up cases involving tourists.

The first case on the court’s agenda will rule on last Wednesday’s accident off Pattaya’s Lan Island when a speedboat rammed another tourist boat at anchor leaving two Chinese men dead and several other tourists injured including a Korean tourist who lost his leg.

Tourism Minister, Somsak Pureesrisak, said the court will hear mainly complaints against malpractice of jet ski and speedboat owners.

“The speedboat accident is the first case to be heard by the tourism court. The injured driver of the speedboat was charged with gross negligence,” the minister said.

The minister argued that there was a case for insisting all boats have global positioning system (GPS) equipment to monitor their speed and routes in case there are accidents.

Most of the accidents are caused by boat drivers, who lack experience, or are over confident and drive recklessly according to Pattaya Mayor, Itthiphol Kunplome.

“The court will reduce the time lag between accidents and a court hearing …international tourists who stay in Thailand for just a short period will receive the benefit of justice before they leave the country and will not have the additional expense of returning for a court hearing,” he explained.

Other priority tourism courts will open in Bangkok, Phuket, Samui and Chiang Mai, using district court premises, but hearings will be held in the evenings.

Sourced: TravelDailyNews