Bangkok: The Lawyers Council has unveiled guidelines to provide legal advice to families affected by the collapse of the State Audit Office building. The announcement comes as relatives continue to grapple with the loss of their loved ones, one month after the tragic event.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Wichian Chubthaisong, President of the Lawyers Council under Royal Patronage, alongside council representatives, visited the families to offer consultation and support. The council has established a committee divided into two groups: one for families whose loved ones are still missing, comprising about 30 individuals, and another for those whose deceased relatives have been identified. Families from both groups have submitted necessary documents like police reports and death certificates to the council for assistance.
Relatives of a missing Myanmar national, last known to be working on the 24th floor at the time of the collapse, expressed their ongoing grief and hope for the recovery of his body to conduct religious ceremonies. Another Myanmar victim's husband reported issues in claiming his wife's body due to identification problems and sought the council's help in coordinating the necessary documentation.
Ms. Malinee Wacharasin, a member of the Legal Assistance Committee for Earthquake Victims, stated that the contractor company has initially offered 3,000 baht in travel expenses to families of those still missing. For identified victims, the initial compensation package includes 50,000 baht from the company and an additional 100,000 baht from the government, totaling approximately 150,000 baht. Including donations from foundations, the expected compensation could range from 200,000 to 300,000 baht. Ms. Wacharasin expressed concerns that this amount is inadequate and pledged to ensure appropriate rights are granted to the victims' families.
The president further mentioned that the Department of Special Investigation will meet with the relatives and the Lawyers Council to discuss compensation disbursement methods. This financial assistance, facilitated through coordination with the Chinese Embassy in Thailand, is being provided without any legal obligations by the contractor company.
