On Wednesday, a mother from one of Thailand’s wealthiest families officially withdrew the lawsuit she lodged against her son under the “ungrateful child law.” The litigation stemmed from accusations her son, Siranudh “Psi” Scott, made against his older brother of sexual abuse. The mother, Jeeranuch Bhirombhakdi, is part of the billionaire family that founded Thailand’s Singha beer empire.
The “ungrateful child law,” invoked by Jeeranuch in February, provides parents the right to revoke gifts if their children are deemed ungrateful, abusive, neglectful in their later years or if they cause significant reputational damage. Triggered by the lawsuit, Siranudh disclosed in May that he had suffered sexual abuse at the hands of his elder brother, Sunit, and his babysitter.
Jeeranuch contended that Siranudh’s accusations tarnished the family’s reputation. As a result, she sought to reclaim land valued in the millions that his late grandfather had bequeathed him. Despite the case withdrawal, Siranudh reported to journalists outside the courtroom, “Even though they withdrew the case, my life is still shattered.”
Approximately 20 of Siranudh’s advocates assembled near the court, bearing paper flowers and photographs of him. Siranudh expressed that he could not consider the lawsuit withdrawal a victory, as the case should never have been initiated. He insisted, “I’ve never been ungrateful to anyone.”
Parnthep Pourpongpan, Siranudh’s representative, informed reporters that Jeeranuch’s filing suggested resolution within the family due to the dispute’s familial nature. In a Friday-dated statement, Jeeranuch declared her willingness to converse, provided it was conducted with “love and genuine goodwill.” Jeeranuch also indicated her readiness to “respect and accept” the judicial process concerning the issue between her sons. She expressed her hope that “the truth will come to light and fairness will be served to both of my children.”
Denying the allegations against him, Sunit admitted to roughhousing between the siblings. Singha’s parent company, Boonrawd Brewery, terminated Sunit’s executive role in May. According to Forbes, the Bhirombhakdi family ranks as Thailand’s 15th richest, with a net worth of approximately US$1.75 billion.
What is the “ungrateful child law”?
The “ungrateful child law” is a measure that allows parents to revoke gifts to their children if they are deemed ungrateful, physically abusive, neglectful in old age, or responsible for serious reputational harm.
Why did Jeeranuch Bhirombhakdi file a lawsuit against her son, Siranudh?
Jeeranuch filed the lawsuit under the “ungrateful child law” after Siranudh accused his older brother of sexual abuse, which she claimed had damaged the family’s reputation.
What happened to Sunit, the elder brother accused of sexual abuse?
Sunit denied the allegations against him and was subsequently dismissed from his executive role at the family’s business, Boonrawd Brewery.
