TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS

Former teacher Jomsap Saenmuangkhot was found guilty in a fatal hit-and-run incident in 2005, sparking a protracted court battle that led to her spending 18 months in jail before receiving a royal pardon. She later pushed for a retrial to clear her name before receiving more bad news yesterday.

March 11, 2005:

A pickup truck hits a bicycle ridden by Lua Pobamrung in tambon Tha Lad of Nakhon Phanom's Renu Nakhon district at night, killing him instantly.

June 13, 2005:

Ms Jomsap is summoned by Renu Nakhon police, who charge her over the incident. She denies the charge.

July 7, 2005:

Nakhon Phanom prosecutors indict Ms Jomsap on charges of driving carelessly, which led to the death, causing property damage and failing to help the victim or notify officers. Ms Jomsap pleads not guilty.

Aug 25, 2006:

Nakhon Phanom Provincial Court sentences Ms Jomsap to three years and two months in prison.

May 7, 2009:

The Appeal Court acquits her due to questions about the evidence.

Feb 26, 2013:

The Supreme Court overturns the Appeal Court's ruling and sentences Ms Jomsap to three years and two months in prison.

Oct 6, 2014:

Ms Jomsap's relatives petition the Justice Ministry seeking help to retry the case, claiming they have new evidence to prove her innocence.

Oct 22, 2014:

The ministry sets up a fact-finding panel and later pushes for a retrial.

2015:

Ms Jomsap is released under a royal pardon after serving 18 months in prison. She later petitions for a retrial, insisting she was wrongly imprisoned.

Jan 2017:

Police question Ms Jomsap's claim, saying a group of people contrived to come up with evidence in an attempt to prove police made Ms Jomsap a scapegoat.

Nov 17, 2017:

The Supreme Court dismisses Ms Jomsap's petition, saying her new evidence is unreliable.