The Appeals Courtʼs decision was read out in the Hua Hin Provincial Court today (Sept 14) in the presence of the convicted killer, Wanchai Saengkhao, aged 23.
Wanchai had been brought from Bang Khwang Prison in Bangkok, where he was incarcerated after being convicted, to Prachuap Khiri Khan Prison on Friday (Sept 11), ahead of todayʼs delivery of the verdict.
On Sept 30, 2014, the Hua Hin Provincial Court found Wanchai guilty on several counts.
Wanchai was convicted of raping a 13-year-old Mathayom 2 student who was asleep in her berth on the train, and then throwing her out of the carriage while she was still alive.
The court sentenced him to death for murder, to nine years in prison for raping a girl under 15, five years for stealing her tablet computer and a mobile phone, one year for hiding her body, and six months for using methamphetamine.
The defendant appealed for mercy on the grounds he had confessed in an act of repentance.
The Appeals Court rejected the appeal, arguing Wanchai had confessed because the evidence against him was solid, not because he regretted his actions, and upheld the lower courtʼs judgement and sentences.
Relatives of the victim were in the court for the delivery of the appeal decision, accompanied by lawyer Wanchai Bunnag. The girlʼs mother could not be present because she recently underwent hospital surgery.
The State Railway of Thailand has paid the girlʼs family about B8.5 million in compensation, plus funeral costs. The family said the money could not compensate for their loss and sorrow.
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