Bangkok: Labor Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has urgently ordered the Department of Labor Protection and Welfare (DLPW) and the Social Security Office (SSO) to take care of workers' rights and provide relief measures for those affected by the collapse of a construction bridge in the Rama II area, Soi 17-25, which resulted in 30 injured employees (24 hospitalized) and 5 deaths (3 Thai workers and 2 foreign workers).
According to Thai News Agency, the Ministry of Labor has proceeded to pay benefits to the deceased and injured through the Compensation Fund and the Social Security Fund. In cases of employee death, the benefits include death compensation up to a maximum of 1,680,000 baht, funeral expenses of 50,000 baht, and additional death benefits according to the law. For employee injuries, the benefits include medical treatment according to social security rights and compensation during work stoppage according to labor law.
The Labor Minister stated, 'This incident is a tragedy that affects workers and employers. The Ministry of Labor will ensure that the injured workers and the families of the deceased receive full benefits, including helping employers affected by this incident.' In response, the Ministry has ordered the DLPW to inspect safety standards at construction sites throughout Bangkok to minimize future risks, particularly in projects involving large structures and heavy machinery.
Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labor, instructed the Social Security Office to promptly contact the relatives of the deceased and injured to explain the rights of protection and ensure that the heirs of the deceased are informed about the support available through the Compensation Fund. He assured the affected families that the Ministry is prepared to assist and compensate them promptly to mitigate their suffering.
Specific compensations for the deceased include Mr. Narakorn Yeayen receiving 50,000 baht for funeral expenses, 70 percent of his salary as death compensation, and 73,157 baht in old age benefits. Mr. Rujthon Hanasarn is to receive 14,000 baht per month for 120 months, totaling 1,680,000 baht, along with 50,000 baht for funeral expenses and 49,206.30 baht in old age benefits. Mr. Sittichai Kesobua is insured under Section 39, receiving 50,000 baht for funeral expenses, 28,800 baht for death benefits, and 130,923.90 baht in old age benefits. Foreign employees Mr. ZIN KO AUNG and Mr. NAIMG LIN AUNG are entitled to 6,770.40 baht per month for 120 months, totaling 182,448 baht, 50,000 baht in funeral expenses, and old-age benefits of 13,795.14 baht and 15,152.70 baht, respectively.
This morning, Lieutenant Commander Saroj Khomkhai, Director-General of the Department of Labor Protection and Welfare, visited the scene to evaluate the damage and communicate with affected employers and employees. He emphasized the importance of employers taking appropriate care of the affected workers and implementing preventive measures against future accidents.