Nakhon ratchasima: Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul presided over a ceremony to present compensation to victims of a crane collapse that crushed a train in Korat. He described the incident as a major tragedy and ordered relevant agencies to conduct a transparent and fair investigation, along with improving construction safety measures.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul led the ceremony to distribute compensation payments to families of those who died in the construction crane collapse in Sikhiu District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The event was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister Bowornsak Uwanno, several ministers, the Prime Minister's Secretary Traisuli Traisaranakul, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport Jirapong Theppitak, Director-General of the Department of Rail Transport Pichet Kunathamarak, Acting Governor of the State Railway of Thailand Anan Pothinimdaeng, representatives from 18 families of the deceased, insurance companies, and other officials.
Mr. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that the compensation was distributed to the families of 18 deceased victims. The compensation included initial relief funds provided by the Office of the Insurance Commission (OIC), Bangkok Insurance Public Company Limited, Dhipaya Insurance Public Company Limited, and Intara Insurance Public Company Limited, with each family receiving 1 million baht. Additional compensation was provided under the Victims Compensation Act by the Rajaprachanukroh Foundation, the Justice Fund, and emergency social assistance funds from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security.
The Prime Minister expressed his deepest condolences to the families and relatives of those who died in the tragedy. He emphasized the government's commitment to expedite assistance and relief for those affected, ensuring that the compensation process is closely monitored until completion. Additionally, he instructed a thorough investigation to be conducted into the incident, promising strict legal action against any negligence or legal violations.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the urgent need to review and upgrade construction safety measures to prioritize the safety of workers and the public. He assured that the government would provide full support to restore confidence, safety, and justice to society.
Following the ceremony, the Prime Minister extended his condolences personally to the relatives of the deceased.