THB100,000 funeral aid disbursed to families of collapsed building victims
As of April 18, 49 people have been confirmed dead, with two bodies still awaiting identification.
The government on Friday began disbursing funeral allowances of 100,000 baht each to the families of victims who died in the collapse of the State Audit Office (SAO) building in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district.
The under-construction 30-storey building on Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road collapsed on March 28 following the impact of an 8.2-magnitude earthquake near Mandalay, Myanmar, trapping over a hundred workers inside.
As of April 18, 49 people have been confirmed dead, with two bodies still awaiting identification.
The first batch of funeral payments was granted to the families of 17 victims at the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) headquarters in Bangkok on Friday. The ceremony was presided over by Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, in his capacity as national disaster relief commander.
Also in attendance were Deputy Interior Minister Songsak Thongsri, Interior Ministry Permanent Secretary Ansit Samphantharat, DDPM Director-General Phasakorn Boonyalak, and Bangkok Deputy Governor Tavida Kamolvej.
To ensure timely and adequate support, the Comptroller General’s Department has authorized the DDPM to operate beyond standard procedures under the 2020 Emergency Disaster Assistance Framework. Financial assistance has been increased in three key areas:
- Funeral expenses for deceased victims: 100,000 baht per person
- Compensation for severely injured victims who became disabled: 100,000 baht per person
- Reimbursement of uncovered medical expenses, based on government-set rates
Officials confirmed that documentation from the 17 families had been verified, religious rites performed, and the funds disbursed in full.
Most families transported the bodies to their home provinces for final ceremonies, including Ubon Ratchathani (1), Nong Khai (3), Nan (2), Uthai Thani (1), Udon Thani (1), Nakhon Phanom (1), Chai Nat (1), Khon Kaen (1), Phitsanulok (1), Suphan Buri (1), Chaiyaphum (2), and Nong Bua Lamphu (2).
Provincial governors have been instructed to assist in the smooth transfer of funds to the recipients’ bank accounts, officials said.
