Bangkok: The Ministry of Energy, in collaboration with the Office of Insurance Commission (OIC), is taking steps to assist the owner of a PTT Station in Ban Phue, Kantharalak District, Sisaket Province, after a BM21 grenade launched from Cambodia caused substantial damage to the station.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Kamolrat Phonsettalert, the affected gas station owner, lodged a complaint with the Ministry of Energy. This prompted a joint response from Colonel Fuangwit Anirutthewa, Assistant Minister of Energy, and Mr. Khananusorn Thiangtrakul, Assistant Secretary-General for Benefits Protection at the OIC. They addressed the issue during a press conference to outline potential support measures.
Colonel Fuangwich explained that while the Ministry of Energy does not have direct involvement in such incidents, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Mr. Pirapan Salirathavipak has been appointed to coordinate with the OIC and PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited (OR). The aim is to devise strategies to support the gas station owners affected by the grenade attack.
Mr. Kananusorn elaborated that upon reviewing the insurance policy held by Ms. Kamolrat, it was determined that the policy should indeed cover the damages. Although the policy excludes risks from war or invasion, the event was classified as a clash rather than a war-related risk, thus necessitating compensation.
Ms. Kamolrat emphasized the severe impact of the incident, describing it as a conflict between two countries that inadvertently harmed innocent civilians. Her gas station and attached convenience store have been shut for over three months, incurring damages exceeding 21 million baht, while she continues to manage loan repayments to the bank.