Bangkok: Professor Jaturong Jong-asa has announced his resignation as a mediator in the high-profile Lawyer Kaew case, expressing his disappointment and feeling of being manipulated as a pawn by both parties involved.
According to Thai News Agency, Professor Jaturong, who previously served as an advisor to the House of Representatives' Committee on Religion, Arts, and Culture, clarified the circumstances surrounding the Lawyer Kaew case. He stated that he did not initiate contact with the child's father; instead, it was Lawyer Kaew who reached out to him. Professor Jaturong emphasized his lack of a personal relationship with the child's father, noting that their connection was solely through the same private lawyer. The incident emerged from social gatherings where the child's father was present, leading to widespread circulation of information before he made a public post. After receiving a polite request from Lawyer Kaew, he deleted the post. At that point, the story had not yet attracted media attention. Despite not defending Lawyer Kaew, he and "Num Kanchai," a well-known Thai sports figure, faced criticism. Professor Jaturong was directed by "Num Kanchai" to maintain neutrality, ensuring that if Lawyer Kaew was guilty , he would face repercussions.
Professor Jaturong confirmed that his communication with the victim's family occurred solely through chat messages, without any direct phone calls to the child's father. He acknowledged discrepancies in facts presented by both parties, particularly inconsistencies in Lawyer Kaew's statements during mediation and subsequent press conferences. These discrepancies involved details such as "feeding" the child, "hugging, kissing," and the location of the incident. As a neutral party, Professor Jaturong noted that the interview content did not align with previous claims.
During his tenure as a mediator, Professor Jaturong facilitated intense discussions between the parties. He observed that Lawyer Kaew experienced significant stress, contacting him daily, while the victim's father was highly agitated. The daughter, suffering from depression, reacted angrily each time she saw Lawyer Kaew in the media, even when it was old footage.
Negotiations concerning financial compensation fluctuated, with figures ranging from 2 million to nearly 3 million baht. Professor Jaturong believed that the child's family prioritized holding Lawyer Kaew accountable over financial gain. The family viewed the monetary aspect as secondary to their desire for justice and satisfaction, driven by a sense of betrayal and intense emotions toward Lawyer Kaew, whom the child's father once admired.
Professor Jaturong further disclosed his lack of awareness about the girl's father's private lawyer filing a police report, despite prior assurances of being informed. He admitted that frequent contact with the girl's father on behalf of Lawyer Kaew affected his perceived neutrality, impairing his ability to mediate sincerely.
Ultimately, following the filing of a police report by the woman involved, Professor Jaturong expressed uncertainty about his continued role as a mediator. He felt unwanted by both parties and manipulated, leading to his decision to step down. The experience left him cautious about future mediation roles, despite his efforts to establish a negotiation platform.
Presently, Lawyer Kaew is grappling with concerns about legal repercussions, his standing with the Bar Association, and relationships with his wife and grown-up daughter. Professor Jaturong advised Lawyer Kaew to refocus on his work, manage his finances, and concentrate on his legal battles.