As excavators steadily make their way around the debris-laden collapse site in Bangkok’s bustling Chatuchak district, they paint a poignant picture of tragedy mingled with hope. Against this backdrop, families who bear the heartbreak of losing loved ones in the State Audit Office building collapse find a silver lining amidst the gloom: the Ministry of Labour has announced compensation packages that honor their loss.
The promise of up to 2 million baht per family marks a step toward solace for those who have had their lives uprooted. Boonsong Thapchaiyuth, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, visited the Coordination and Assistance Centre with reassurances that both Thai and migrant workers would be afforded the same respect and treatment as they navigate this tumultuous aftermath.
“We are committed to processing compensation requests within 15 days,” Mr. Boonsong noted, his words a beacon to grieving families. “With compensation ranging from 1 to 2 million baht, we will provide ample support, ensuring migrant workers are equally accounted for.” For workers integrated into the Social Security Scheme, it appears their employers find themselves with dual responsibility for arranging financial relief.
The Ministry’s benevolence extends further with promises to cover medical expenses for the injured, thanks to the Social Security Office and the accompanying compensation fund, ensuring that financial burdens do not encumber the path to recovery.
However, it’s not just compensation in the spotlight. For those who face job loss in the quake’s wake, an unemployment benefit of 7,500 baht per month is available for up to six months, a crucial lifeline as they rebuild their futures. The job of tallying the total number of affected workers remains underway, with final figures projected by April 8.
Meanwhile, search and rescue efforts continue unabated, hopeful amid heartbreak. Seventy-seven people remain missing beneath the ruins of the towering 30-story edifice, with the eternal toll of two more souls found pushing known casualties to 17.
The tragedy, spilling across the media and into the homes of concerned citizens, prompted the National Institute of Development Administration (Nida) to conduct a survey gauging public sentiment on building safety in the wake of this calamity. The poll, conducted telephonically from April 1 to 3, canvassed the thoughts of 1,300 Bangkok residents from varied demographics.
The survey’s findings echoed the fears reverberating through urban crossroads: terror born from unsteady ground. Approximately 68% of respondents expressed trepidation over the structural integrity of the city’s high-rises, echoing concerns about the robustness of early warning systems (noted by 59.4%) and fretting over potential future quakes (expressed by 43.9%).
Confidence in building safety varied across types: while shopping centers garnered a confident nod from 60% of participants and hotels reassured 53%, private residences were viewed with skepticism—59% of respondents doubted their safety amidst seismic uncertainty.
This heartbreaking incident has nudged Bangkok residents to question and demand more robust structural safeguards in the face of nature’s unpredictable wrath, fitting against the solemn promise of never again losing peace to shaky ground.
This is such a tragic event! The compensation is a good start, but how do we ensure safety in the future?
It’s awful! 2 million baht is significant, but prevention should be the priority.
Exactly! We need stricter building codes and regular inspections to prevent such disasters.
Honestly, why weren’t these safety issues addressed before? We’re gambling with lives here!
Sadly, it takes a tragedy to wake people up. I hope the authorities act faster after this.
I hope so too, but history tells us otherwise. We seem unable to learn from past mistakes.
2 million baht sounds like a lot, but when you’ve lost a loved one, no amount can truly compensate.
You’re right, the loss is immeasurable. But at least the government is trying to help families rebuild.
Agreed. I just hope they make good on their promises swiftly.
This disaster should spur an overhaul of building standards in Thailand. No more shortcuts!
Totally agree! Safety should never be compromised. Time to enforce strict regulations.
As a parent, I’m terrified for my kids’ safety. What if it happens again?
We should demand better from our government and build safer environments for our children.
The poll results are worrying. Many doubt their own homes are safe.
People should feel safe in their homes. This should be the wake-up call we all need.
It’s fascinating how bureaucracy kicks in quickly when there’s media coverage. How long until this fades from memory?
Sadly, not long. Without continued pressure from the public, issues like these get swept under the rug.
Apart from the physical support, psychological counseling should be provided to survivors and families.
Mental health support is often overlooked. This tragedy will have lasting impacts on many.
Psychological support is as crucial as financial assistance. People need to heal in every aspect.
Let’s see how long the unemployment benefit lasts once the media moves on.
I get your skepticism, but we must hold officials accountable to their promises.
As an engineer, I can confirm there’s no excuse for buildings to collapse like this without warning.
It’s good that migrant workers are included in the compensation. Everyone affected deserves equal treatment.
Honestly, I just hope we learn the right lessons from this, unlike all the previous disasters.
Are there any updates on the missing persons? I hope more people can be rescued.