Bangkok: Villagers have approached the Lawyers Council of Thailand to report harassment and intimidation by a "famous lawyer" residing in their village, causing significant distress among community members.
According to Thai News Agency, the situation has escalated to the point where residents, including children, the elderly, and even national athletes, feel unsafe. They have resorted to carrying sticks for protection. The complaint was initially filed by Ms. Yingthat, known as "Nan," followed by a group of villagers who shared their experiences of ongoing distress due to the lawyer's actions.
Ms. Suphon, a 50-year-old resident, shared a troubling incident from July 22, 2015, involving her son, a member of the Thai national jiu-jitsu team. While practicing jump rope outside their home, he was repeatedly targeted by a car. Fearing for his life, he sought refuge in a nearby shop. Despite the severity, the family refrained from involving the police out of consideration for their neighbors. Since the lawyer's arrival in 2018, the village's atmosphere has deteriorated, with children and the elderly facing frequent verbal abuse.
Another resident, "Aunt Ja," recounted being followed and intimidated by the lawyer in a car, leading her to carry a stick for protection when passing the lawyer's house. Similarly, "Aunt Noi," a 73-year-old resident, reported ongoing issues since the COVID-19 pandemic, including her granddaughter facing verbal abuse.
The villagers' petition seeks a thorough investigation by the Lawyers Council of Thailand to address the lawyer's behavior and restore peace and safety in their community.