Bangkok: The Minister of Justice has allocated compensation funds amounting to 4.2 million baht to the victims of the Lat Phrao brewery fire. Each of the 14 victims' families received 300,000 baht as part of this initiative. This compensation effort is part of a broader humanitarian assistance program aimed at providing immediate relief to those affected by criminal acts.

According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Gen. Ruttapol Naowarat, the Minister of Justice, led the compensation ceremony, which was organized under the Act on Compensation for Victims and Compensation and Expenses for Defendants in Criminal Cases B.E. 2544 (2001) and its amendments. The event was attended by the heirs of the victims, and for those unable to attend, the compensation will be directly transferred to their bank accounts. With this latest disbursement, a total of 31 families have now received compensation, amounting to over 9.3 million baht in total.

Mr. Traiyarit Temhiwong, Director-General of the Department of Rights and Liberties Protection, highlighted that over the past 24 years, the state has provided assistance worth more than 8.26 billion baht to victims and defendants of the justice system. This assistance, funded through the national budget, has led to discussions on establishing a revolving fund for victims of criminal cases. In collaboration with Mahidol University, a forum has been initiated to explore alternative funding sources for victim assistance, amidst public concerns over the use of taxpayer money for such compensations. Mr. Temhiwong emphasized the state's obligation to uphold human rights by ensuring victims receive necessary redress.

In a related case, justice officials from Ratchaburi province have been tasked with gathering information for potential compensation claims concerning "Teacher Sai's" husband, who passed away due to coronary artery stenosis. The incident occurred after medical staff at San Camillo Hospital allegedly refused to conduct an essential electrocardiogram (ECG).