Family of killed migrant: pay up #Thailand

The family of a migrant worker allegedly shot dead by his Thai supervisor is demanding $30,000 in compensation and urging the Cambodian government to push Thailand to punish the accused killer.

“We got a call from Cambodian authorities in the last couple of days when we were having the funeral,” said Ben Sophal, brother-in-law of victim Phat So In. “We told them we would discuss it, and demand compensation in an appropriate amount, because this is a human life. Also, my brother-in-law normally had to support his parents, wife, a child and relatives.”

“Besides the compensation, I hope and keep urging the Thai government to take legal action against the criminal, and also to promise to ensure safety for Cambodian migrant workers, because I know that numerous Cambodian migrant workers are in Thailand now,” he added. “Frequently, they face the same problems.”

Foreign Ministry spokesman Koy Kuong said yesterday that the Cambodian Embassy in Thailand is now working with Thai authorities to arrange a time for a meeting between the victim’s and the suspect’s families to discuss the compensation.

“Our officials have also urged them to speed up the court procedure and take legal action against the suspect.”

According to Kuong, the suspect, whom he did not name, is currently outside of police custody, having posted about $18,000 in bail.