PUBLISHED: 6 Oct 2024 at 07:11
Parents of some students who tragically lost their lives in the bus fire are seeking compensation of 1.21 million baht each, despite having had little to no involvement in their upbringing, according to the Office of Attorney-General.
The provincial prosecution office in Uthai Thani has initiated contact with the families of the victims and found discrepancies in claims, remarked the head of rights protection and legal assistance.
Last Tuesday, twenty students and three teachers from Wat Khao Praya Sangkharam School lost their lives when their bus ignited on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road in Pathum Thani. Officials stated that remedial measures are being implemented to assist the families affected by this devastating incident.
Compensation is being allocated to the families under a government-approved scheme, with prosecutors assisting beneficiaries in completing necessary documentation. The office is committed to ensuring that all affected families receive the compensation they are entitled to.
Concerns have arisen as some parents claim compensation despite not being involved in the children’s upbringing, having entrusted their care to grandparents or relatives. Some children were raised by a single parent, leading to disputes over rightful claims to the compensation.
In a related investigation, the National Anti-Corruption Commission is looking into potential negligence by state officials regarding the suspected illegal installation of gas tanks in the buses operated by the company responsible for the school trip.
Raising Standards
The Thailand Consumer Council has announced plans to enhance safety standards for school excursions and public transport, proposals that will be presented to the government this week.
Kongsak Chuenkrailas, assistant secretary of the sub-committee on transport and vehicles, emphasized the importance of tailoring excursions to the appropriate age groups. Concerns were raised after a recent trip that combined kindergarteners with older students visiting the same venues.
Furthermore, it is recommended that 40-seater buses and larger vehicles obtain insurance coverage offering a minimum of 30 million baht for passenger accident compensation. Current regulations require only a 10 million baht minimum coverage.
In addition, the council will urge the government to include emergency drill training in school curricula, integrating this critical knowledge as part of scout training.
Deputy Education Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul reiterated that the ministry will be responsible for collecting donations for the victims and their families to avoid scams. Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin reported that a young student with severe burns is currently receiving skin graft treatment at the Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health.
