Woman Wins Cosmetic Surgery Lawsuit After Three Years of Scrutiny

Toom Ratchaneekor has overcome three years of public vilification after a court ruled in her favor in a 50-million-baht damages case against Leluck Hospital, Dr. Pin Leluck (Pissaporn Srichaiyanwat), and another physician over a facial cosmetic surgery procedure. The court ordered the defendants to pay 7.7 million baht in compensation. Toom and her lawyer Sittichai Kritiyamedhagun held a press conference to discuss the victory.

When asked about her initial reaction to winning, Toom said: "We fought for three years and became a social defendant for three years, while people didn't understand the depth or reality of what happened. Only the two parties truly know the full truth. We were constantly attacked because we never publicly explained what occurred—speaking out would have just escalated the mud-slinging. Now I'm relieved to be normal again. For three years, I couldn't walk through the market without wondering if people hated me or still supported me. I had to wear a mask and had no confidence in myself. I'm truly grateful that justice exists because we fought for it."

When asked what she believed led to her victory, Toom responded: "Nothing more than the facts of what happened to me and what was done to me—things people saw and didn't see. I think that's enough for us now."

Her lawyer explained that the case hinged on medical malpractice in a consumer protection matter. He noted that under consumer protection law, the burden of proof lies with the medical side to demonstrate that their actions did not constitute negligence or wrongdoing. The court found negligence on the physician's part. The lawyer mentioned submitting a case closure statement and medical certificates, though some documents were not translated into Thai. A treating physician was initially summoned but could not appear in court, so the defense presented available evidence.

When asked if the defendant planned to appeal, Toom said: "That's their right—it's something anyone can do."

Regarding concern that an appellate court might reverse the decision, Toom stated: "As my lawyer said, everything depends on evidence. As for claims about late submissions causing delays—we had the authority to request them, and we submitted everything according to the specified timeline. Anyone can verify who actually submitted late."

Asked if she was satisfied with the 7.7-million-baht compensation versus the 50-million-baht claim she filed, Toom said: "We initially asked for 50 million because my first lawyer recommended that figure, but I already knew that realistically the court wouldn't award that amount."