Sisaket: The Budget Committee is advocating for the disbursement of compensation for a Sisaket gas station damaged by a bomb during a border clash to be expedited, having been delayed by over a year. It is urging the government to revise compensation criteria to ensure fair treatment for all affected parties.
According to Thai News Agency, the chairman of the Committee on Monitoring Budget Administration, accompanied by MPs from the Thai Power Party, is actively pursuing the delayed compensation payments for the gas station in Sisaket Province. The station was bombed during the Thai-Cambodian border clashes, and the committee has proposed adjustments to the compensation criteria to guarantee equitable treatment.
During a recent press conference, Ms. Rakchanok Srinok, Chair of the Committee on Studying Budget Preparation and Monitoring, along with Mr. Wasawat Puangphornsri, MP from the Thai Ruam Palang Party, raised concerns about the compensation payments. They highlighted the incident at a gas station in Kantaralak District, a consequence of the Thai-Cambodian border conflict.
Ms. Rakchanok revealed that the meeting involved representatives from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), the DDPM of Sisaket Province, and the Prime Minister's Office. She discovered that the Ministry of Finance's regulations only cover injury and death, leaving other aspects uncovered. She emphasized the uniqueness of this case and urged relevant agencies to address it specifically. Additionally, she called for the implementation of a measure promised by previous government agencies and suggested using this case as a study to ensure fair compensation.
Mr. Wasawat Puangphornsri noted that despite the incident occurring in Sisaket Province last year, affected individuals have yet to receive compensation. The DDPM cited non-compliance with criteria and regulations, but failed to notify or explain this to the gas station owners. He expressed concern for those awaiting compensation and plans to discuss the issue with the parliamentary committee on budget management. He criticized the slow compensation process and called for a review of regulations to provide effective compensation.
Ms. Kamolrat Pholsetthalert, a resident affected by the incident, shared her struggles. She mentioned that private sector partners have supported infrastructure and inventory, but other areas remain uncovered. She appealed for government assistance, emphasizing her status as a Thai citizen not responsible for the incident. She called for continuous governmental attention to such matters, including war insurance, to prevent recurrence. Ms. Kamolrat also sought clarification on whether she has received any compensation.