Families of Myanmar workers killed or injured in last year’s building collapse in Bangkok have now received full compensation, amounting to 28.4 million baht.

The tragedy struck in March 2025 when an earthquake caused the Office of the Auditor General building in Chatuchak district to collapse. Twenty‑seven Myanmar nationals lost their lives and seven more were injured, highlighting the risks faced by migrant workers in Thailand’s construction industry.

On 2 March this year, a ceremony marked the final round of payments. Myanmar Ambassador U Zaw Zaw Soe and Dr Thonaphon Khongtheing, President of the Lawyers Council of Thailand, presided over the event, attended by Thai officials and grieving families.

According to Myanmar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, each bereaved family received one million baht, while injured workers were granted 200,000 baht each. The ITD‑CREC Joint Venture, responsible for the project, provided the funds in four stages. Earlier rounds had already covered 15 deceased workers and seven injured survivors, with this final stage ensuring all 34 victims were included.

The compensation process was coordinated by a special committee formed with the Thai Lawyers Council, reflecting rare cross‑border cooperation in labour rights and humanitarian support.

While the payments cannot undo the loss, they provide some relief to families who depended on their relatives’ earnings. For many observers, the collapse remains a stark reminder of the dangers migrant workers face and the urgent need for stronger safety standards in Thailand’s booming construction sector.

The financial settlement closes one chapter, but the wider debate over accountability and worker protection is far from over.

-2026-03-09

So much could be said about this, but to me this seems pretty fast compared to western standards and the payments are funded by some of those responsible. Not a good news story of course, but this seems one tiny forward step.