The court also ordered Ban Si Than village headman Krittidech Rawengwan to pay the family of slain Rong Kham School student Ruadeewan Polprasit, better known as “Nong Snow”, Bt2.39 million in compensation.

The court found Krittidech guilty of killing Ruadeewan while trying to rape her.

A large number of people gathered outside the court to hear the verdict and to support the victim’s family.

On the evening of December 23, 2015, Ruadeewan was travelling along Ban Si Than-Ban Noen Muang Road heading home when Krittidech kicked her motorcycle to the ground and dragged her into a roadside ditch and attempted to rape her.

The victim fought off her attacker but two days later died of her injuries.

On April 4, 2016, police arrested Krittidech, who was suspended from work immediately. He was charged with rape and violent assault leading to death.

The trial lasted almost 10 months and involved the testimonies of 55 witnesses.