Toddler's death results in 26-year prison sentence for Uncle Phol
In a significant development, the Court of Appeal in Thailand has increased the prison sentence for Chaiphol Wipha from 20 to 26 years for the premeditated murder of three-year-old Nong Chompoo (Orawan Wongsricha).
The case, which had gripped the nation for weeks, began in May 2020 with Nong Chompoo's disappearance from her home in Kok Kork village, Mukdahan. Her body was found a few days later on Phu Lek Fai mountain in the Phu Pha Yon national park, about two kilometers from her home.
Chaiphol, who had gained minor celebrity status and reportedly received large donations despite insisting on his innocence, was initially convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 20 years by the Mukdahan Provincial Court in December 2023. However, the Appeals Court found that Chaiphol had intentionally abandoned Nong Chompoo at a high location, constituting premeditated intent to kill, thus justifying the increased total sentence.
The investigation into Nong Chompoo's case took over a year. During this time, two TV channels treated the case like a reality show, with daily updates for months. Chaiphol and his wife, Somporn "Pa Taen" Lappho, who was acquitted by the appeal court, had their own YouTube channel with over 350,000 followers.
The court's decision highlights the recognition of premeditated aspects in the crime beyond accidental death. The increased sentence reflects convictions for premeditated murder and concealing a body. Chaiphol was also ordered to pay compensation to the girl's family by the Mukdahan Provincial Court in December 2023.
Many who followed the case believed in Chaiphol's innocence. However, the Appeals Court's decision superseded the initial ruling by recognizing intent in the act of abandonment contributing to death.
References: [1] The Nation. (2023, December 28). Chaiphol gets 26-year sentence for Nong Chompoo murder. Retrieved from https://www.nationthailand.com/news/40011228
[4] Bangkok Post. (2023, December 28). Chaiphol Wipha sentenced to 26 years for Nong Chompoo murder. Retrieved from https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2314140/chaiphol-wipha-sentenced-to-26-years-for-nong-chompoo-murder
[5] Khaosod English. (2023, December 28). Chaiphol Wipha sentenced to 26 years for premeditated murder of Nong Chompoo. Retrieved from https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/chaiphol-wipha-sentenced-to-26-years-for-premeditated-murder-of-nong-chompoo/
The increased sentence served by Chaiphol Wipha for the premeditated murder of Nong Chompoo is a major topic in the realm of politics, general-news, and crime-and-justice. The Appeals Court's decision to increase his sentence from 20 to 26 years and recognize intent in the act of abandonment that led to Nong Chompoo's death has caused a stir in public opinion, highlighting the importance of premeditated aspects in crime cases.
