As Toll from Bangkok Building Collapse Hits 44, Families Offered Aid

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Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

The tragic collapse of the State Audit Office building in Bangkok's Chatuchak district has claimed 44 lives, with the death toll still rising as rescue teams work tirelessly to locate those still missing. The Interior Ministry has pledged 100,000 baht compensation to each victim's family, with payouts starting this Friday.

 

Since the building's collapse on March 28, rescuers have been combing through the wreckage, concentrated on Zone C where it is believed most victims are trapped. As of April 15, nine individuals had been injured and 50 remained unaccounted for from the initial 103 reported present at the disaster site.

 

Deputy Bangkok Governor Tavida Kamolvej and Disaster Prevention and Mitigation head Suriyachai Rawiwan provided updates on the ongoing rescue efforts. Overnight operations recently uncovered two more bodies, along with 24 human remains sent for forensic examination. A further victim was identified via DNA yesterday morning, confirming the death toll at 44. Authorities have collected DNA from 91 relatives to aid this meticulous identification process.

 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in cooperation with embassies and border points, is especially focused on identifying individuals from Myanmar feared dead.

 

 

 

The search and recovery operation is using heavy machinery, search dogs, and pauses to allow hounds to sniff potential survivors or remains amidst the debris of concrete and steel.

 

The committed compensation of 100,000 baht per victim is unconditional, Tavida assured, "There are no extra conditions, this is support for every life lost."

 

In addition to compensation, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has reported that 23,888 individuals have sought earthquake-related aid, predominantly from Chatuchak district. Inspections began on April 10, urging residents away for Songkran to contact local offices promptly to file their damage claims before the April 27 deadline.

 

As rescue and aid efforts continue, local committees with the BMA’s Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department are processing support applications, ensuring all affected receive necessary assistance, reported The Thaiger.

 

-- 2025-04-16

 

 

[edwinchester]

On 5th April The Nation reported all victims would be getting between 1 and 2 million baht compensation.

 

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40048387