Environmental agency offers to help victims sue govt

Those interested can down-load relevant forms at www.thaisgwa.com.

According to SGWA, the Bt5,000 compensation provided to each flood-affected family is just a remedial measure. 

“This amount cannot compensate for damages caused by grave mistakes, failure and complacency on the part of the government and relevant authorities,” SGWA president Srisuwan Janya said in a statement.

National Anti-Corruption Com-mission secretary-general Apinan Issarangkul na Ayudhaya said yesterday that his agency would also be looking into water-management efforts made while the power was being handed over by the Democrat-led government to the ruling Pheu Thai Party. 

The flood crisis has affected millions of people, but only those whose homes have been swamped for at least seven consecutive days are eligible for the Bt5,000 compensation. Many of the victims have complained that this amount is too little to cover the damage and that the government should be held responsible for its failure to thwart the crisis – a stance that is supported by the SGWA. 

According to a statement, the SGWA said the flooding had not just damaged people’s homes, but also what was inside these homes as well as their vehicles. It said that people did not just have to pay for repairs and redecoration, they also had to spend on flood-prevention tools for use later. This is in addition to the physical and emotional damage sustained by people as well. 

“Other damages include lost opportunities and extra expenditure on accommodation when people had to move out of their home,” the SGWA statement read. It also included instructions on how the compensation amount can be calculated. For instance, a family with five working members who have had to stay away from work for 60 days can seek a total compensation of Bt66,000 based on a daily wage of Bt220.

SGWA said flood-hit people could claim the Bt5,000 compensation and still retain the right to file a lawsuit for damages. 

Srisuwan said the lawsuits would be filed via the Administra-tive Court. Those who wanted to be represented by the SGWA can mail relevant documents to SGWA, 51/119, Moo 9, Prueksa 14, Tambon Lad Sawai, Lam Luk Ka district, Pathum Thani 12150. The documents can also be handed over at the SGWA seminar, which will be held on December 15, from 1pm to 5pm, at the Imperial Queen’s Park Hotel in Bangkok.