Pay compensation tomorrow or we will protest, nurse's brother says
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The Akkahad family announced yesterday they would camp overnight at Government House if compensation payments - for death and injury in the 2010 military crackdown on the red-shirt protest - were postponed again.
Natthapat Akkahad, the brother of volunteer nurse Kamolkate, who was fatally shot at Wat Pathum Wanaram on May 19, 2010, told the government to keep its word and distribute the compensation payments on Thursday (May 24). The payments were originally due to be made on May 15, but were delayed until this week.
“On Thursday, I and those affected will gather overnight at Government House if we don’t get the payment,” Natthapat said.
He urged government to make public the list of those receiving compensation as a show of good governance and transparency.
PM’s Office secretary general Tongthong Chandransu, who is in charge of the payments, confirmed there would be a compensation ceremony on Thursday at Government House. It will be televised live by NBT.
“Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra will grant this payment herself,” Tongthong said. “It will be a cashier’s cheque or a Government Savings Bank lottery savings certificate.”
Some 522 of 529 victims who sought compensation will be paid on Thursday, while the remaining seven cases are being looked into.
The Social Development and Human Security Ministry has already invited relatives of victims to the ceremony. Those who did not get an invitation can contact the Prachabodi call centre by dialling 1300.
Tongthong said there would be public forums on reconciliation, taking place nationwide starting next month or in July. They aim to allow people to share opinions about the causes of conflict and gather ideas about reconciliation.
