Irate flood victims demand answers on unfair compensation
Play
More than 150 flood victims gathered yesterday in front of Nakhon Pathom Provincial Hall to complain loudly about what they said was unfair compensation.
The protesters were residents of Preuksa 4, Preuksa 8 and Preuksa 31 housing estates in Nakhon Pathom.
“The owners of some houses were paid Bt10,000 compensation, while some other homeowners were compensated with just Bt1,000,” said Kanyarat Dee-aim, 32. “So, I want an explanation. All residents of these estates have almost identical house plans, and we definitely faced the same scope of flooding for more than two months.”
Another resident, Sang-arun Sunthornsalatool, said he had not received any compensation yet, while neighbours who submitted their request at the same time as him had received theirs.
“I can’t find my name on the list of people eligible for flood compensation,” he said. “How can this happen?”
Nopsawan Thongprasert, 55, said she arranged the gathering of upset flood victims because she believed the government should investigate the actions of the officials involved.
“Where’s the standard? What criteria have the relevant officials used?” she asked.
Nakhon Pathom disaster prevention and mitigation chief Pongsathorn Sirisakhon said tambon administrative organisations were assigned to survey the damage to properties and submit information to relevant district offices.
“Then, there are panels to determine the amount of compensation,” he said. “If you are not satisfied with the amount given, you can lodge a petition and the panel will review your case.”
But Pongsathorn’s explanation failed to impress the protesters, who dispersed only after Nakhon Pathom permanent secretary Kathon Tungsawas accepted their written complaint and promised to forward it to the provincial governor.
