Thai woman who lost legs in MRT accident appointed hospital's Happiness Ambassador, earns $40k monthly

A Thai woman who lost her legs six years ago after falling onto the Ang Mo Kio MRT tracks, has been appointed as a ‘Happiness Ambassador’ by a hospital in Thailand, with an attractive salary of a million baht (S$40,700) each month. 

Ms Nitcharee Peneakchanasak, now 21 years old, was appointed as the ‘Happiness Ambassador’ of World Medical Hospital in Thailand, and would be starting her job come September 2017, reports Lianhe Wanbao via Lianhe Zaobao. 

As a ‘Happiness Ambassador’, Ms Nitcharee’s job would be to inspire other patients and encourage them to face their conditions. 

It is understood that Ms Nitcharee’s had beat 11 other candidates for the job.

With the attractive remuneration, Ms Nitcharee hopes to be able to get a new pair of prosthetic legs. 

Dr Adison Phatthradun, director of the World Medical Hospital, complimented Ms Nitcharee:

“She has a positive attitude despite the loss of her legs. 

“The positive energy, with that smile that will be able to inspire the other patients.”

Ms Nitcharee said on her Facebook page that she was honoured to have the privileged opportunity to work with the hospital, and would not let her ‘age or body condition’ stop her from performing her duties. 

She was 14 when she fell off the platform at Ang Mo Kio MRT Station on April 3, 2011, with her legs crushed by an incoming train. 

One leg was severed while the other was badly damaged and required amputation. 

She subsequently sued train operator SMRT and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) for S$3.5 million on grounds of negligence and failure to ensure the safety of passengers. 

However, the courts found both parties not liable for the accident. 

Her story however, evoked much sympathy from many, and she received more than S$400,000 from donors in Singapore.