Bangkok: Lawyer Ronnarong indicates that "Auntie Khayan's" 6 million baht lottery win is certain, even though the winning ticket was burned by a neighbor. He assures that she will receive her prize, although it might take between 1 to 5 years through the court process. Additionally, she can sue her neighbor for damages, potentially bringing her total compensation to 12 million baht.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Ronnarong Kaewpetch, a lawyer and president of the Foundation for Campaigning for Justice in Society, expressed concerns about Aunt Khayan's case, where her winning lottery ticket was stolen and burned by a neighbor. He highlighted the risk of her missing out on her 6 million baht prize due to this incident.
Attorney Ronnarong elaborated that this is not an isolated incident in Thailand's history with lottery tickets. He explained that the Government Lottery Office's regulations treat lottery tickets as legally binding contracts, requiring the original ticket for prize claims. However, Thai law, specifically Article 1336 of the Civil and Commercial Code, allows the rightful owner to reclaim property unlawfully possessed by others. Thus, the ownership rights to the lottery ticket remain intact despite the physical ticket's destruction.
Citing a precedent, lawyer Ronnarong mentioned a Supreme Court ruling that allowed for prize money to be awarded even without the physical ticket, provided clear evidence of ownership exists. This gives assurance to Aunt Khayan that her case will likely result in a favorable outcome despite the prolonged court process.
Mr. Ronnarong also discussed the legal proceedings against the neighbor, who faces charges of theft, embezzlement, and destruction of documents. The penalties include imprisonment and fines under Sections 188 and 358 of the Criminal Code. Aunt Khayan can claim damages for the destruction of her valuable property, seeking compensation of 6 million baht plus interest, doubling her potential recovery to 12 million baht.
This case underscores the importance of safeguarding one's lottery tickets and serves as a caution against unlawful possession and destruction of another's property. Lawyer Ronnarong advises lottery winners to document their tickets to ensure claims can be substantiated in the absence of the physical ticket.