Bangkok: The Ministry of Labour is accelerating relief efforts for insured individuals impacted by the recent crane collapse that crushed a train in Nakhon Ratchasima and the gas station explosion in southern Thailand's border provinces.

According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kacharak, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, disclosed that Ms. Treenuch Thianthong, the Minister of Labour, expressed her sorrow over the crane collapse at the Bangkok-Ubon Ratchathani train line. She has directed the Social Security Office to promptly investigate fatalities and injuries of insured persons to ensure they receive their entitlements. This directive also extends to providing compensation to those affected by the explosions in the southern border provinces.

Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong elaborated on the measures for assisting insured persons affected by the crane collapse in Si Khiew District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. He instructed the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Social Security Office to gather information on insured individuals involved. The incident affected 208 train passengers, with 66 injured and 32 fatalities. Among the deceased, 12 have been identified, while 20 await identification due to severe burns. Three individuals remain missing, and searches are ongoing. Of the identified fatalities, four were insured, and five were formerly insured.

Regarding compensation, Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong stated that the Ministry of Labour, through the Social Security Office, will provide benefits through the Social Security and Workers' Compensation Funds. Injured individuals will receive free medical treatment at government hospitals. For work stoppages, compensation is 50% of wages for up to 180 days, and in case of death, heirs will receive funeral expenses and other financial benefits. For work-related injuries, medical expenses at private hospitals range from 65,000 to 1,000,000 baht, and compensation is 70% of wages.

Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong also updated on the assistance for those injured in the southern provinces' bombings on January 11th. The Social Security Office confirmed injuries to insured persons in Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat provinces, with various compensation and medical treatments covered under the Workers' Compensation and Social Security Funds.

Assistance measures for these incidents include coverage of medical expenses up to 65,000 baht initially, with further private hospital treatment capped at 1 million baht. Compensation for work-related absences is 70% of wages, with varied terms for limb loss, disability, and other injuries.

The Ministry of Labour ensures the availability of staff to assist in document submissions for claims. Further information can be obtained at Social Security Offices or via the Ministry of Labour hotline at 1506, pressing 1-416.