In a recent and heart-wrenching turn of events, families of those who tragically perished in the State Audit Office building collapse are being supported with a compensation initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Labour in Thailand. This measure promises to alleviate some of the financial burdens suffered by these grieving families, with each affected family set to receive between 1 to 2 million baht. Boonsong Thapchaiyuth, the Ministry’s permanent secretary, took a proactive step by visiting the Coordination and Assistance Centre, ensuring both migrant and Thai workers are guaranteed equal treatment. With a reassuring tone, he mentioned that applications for compensation would be expedited, anticipating payment within 15 days.
Boonsong emphasized the ministry’s commitment to inclusivity, stating, “The compensation will range from 1 to 2 million baht. The ministry will extend support to affected migrant workers, ensuring they receive the same treatment as Thai citizens.” Moreover, for those enrolled in the Social Security Scheme, employers are obliged to compensate their workers adequately. In a gesture that highlights the ministry’s comprehensive approach, it will also cover medical expenses through the Social Security Office and the compensation fund until those injured achieve full recovery.
The scheme goes further by providing unemployment benefits for workers displaced by this calamity. Each affected individual is entitled to a monthly stipend of 7,500 baht, stretching over six months, to cushion the financial hit resulting from this unexpected disaster. As the Ministry races against time to compile a complete list of affected workers, they’ve marked April 8 as a deadline to finalize these tallies.
Amid the chaos, rescue teams are working tirelessly at the scene of devastation—a 30-storey collapsed building where, tragically, the death toll has surged from 15 to 17 just after the weekend of April 5, following the identification of two more bodies. At present, there remain 77 souls unaccounted for, adding to the distress and urgency faced by responders on-site.
All this turmoil has naturally sparked concern among the residents of Bangkok regarding the safety of their urban landscape. The shockwaves from the earthquake that struck Myanmar and Thailand prompted a survey by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA). Conducted via phone, it surveyed 1,300 citizens spanning diverse age groups, educational, occupational, and income backgrounds.
Key findings from this survey include a startling 68.09% of Bangkokians voicing anxiety over the integrity and safety of buildings dotting their city. Additionally, 59.4% of respondents broadcast skepticism about the reliability of current early warning systems to preempt future seismic events, and 43.9% worry about when the next major quake may strike.
The public’s confidence varies concerning different types of buildings across Bangkok. Shopping malls and hotels seem to garner a relative nod of trust, with 60% and 53% of respondents respectively expressing confidence in their robustness. However, the sentiment shifts when addressing private residences, where around 59% confessed a lack of trust in their structural resilience—an illuminating insight reported by the Bangkok Post.
In this environment, the stories behind the statistics bring home the human toll, and the relentless efforts to ensure safety and support resonate with the broader spectrum of recent developments emerging from Thailand: from unfortunate events like meth busts and fraud scams to personal triumphs over adversity. Even as tragedies strike, they also underline the undying spirit and resilience of the people, who, with the support from governmental bodies, continue to rise again, fortified by both unity and resolve.
It’s reassuring to see the Thai government acting quickly to provide compensation. However, 1-2 million baht doesn’t seem like a lot considering the magnitude of such a loss.
True, but at least it’s something. Many countries wouldn’t even offer this level of compensation.
I suppose that’s fair, but I still think there should be more attention to disaster prevention first.
Compensation isn’t about replacing lives but supporting the families left behind. This is an important step in government empathy.
Why aren’t we talking more about the prevention aspect? Buildings shouldn’t just collapse!
I agree! There needs to be stricter enforcement of building codes.
Though enforcement is important, natural disasters complicate matters. Even the best structures can fail.
Still, isn’t it possible to be better prepared? Other nations handle earthquakes without such disaster.
I have to admit, the compensation sounds good on paper but based on past experiences I’m skeptical everyone will receive it on time.
Unfortunately, delays in bureaucratic processes are common. I hope that’s not the case here.
Yeah, fingers crossed. Families are in dire need and can’t afford such delays.
I’m both shocked and worried about the survey results. Many Bangkok residents are living in fear of the next disaster.
You’re right, it’s troubling to hear how little confidence people have in their safety.
Well, it’s understandable given recent events. Public safety should be prioritized.
The compensation fund is a compassionate gesture, but it won’t help unless structural assessments and reconstruction plans are in place.
Exactly! Reactive measures won’t prevent future tragedies.
Perhaps an independent body should oversee structural integrity rather than just relying on government?
Providing unemployment benefits in addition to compensation shows some foresighted planning. Imagine losing your job and a loved one.
True, having that safety net helps some but it doesn’t alleviate emotional distress.
Honestly, seeing the Thai government enact equal treatment for migrant workers is a huge plus. They often get left out.
Yes, it’s a rare occasion where policies actually reflect equality across the board.
The readiness and supportiveness of the rescue teams really stood out to me. Hats off to them in this grim situation.
The real solution might be community awareness and proper training for disaster response. Educated masses fare better.
What scares me is the number of missing people… 77 still unaccounted for!
NIDA’s survey is eye-opening. We are living on borrowed time if structural integrity isn’t prioritized.
I think the government is taking the right steps, but it’s not just about immediate compensation. Long term planning is key.