Parents seek 1.21 million baht for kids they didn’t raise

Parents of some students who died in the tragic bus fire have attempted to claim 1.21 million baht in compensation each, despite not having raised the children, the Office of Attorney-General (OAG) reported.

The provincial prosecution office in Uthai Thani discovered irregularities while contacting the families of the victims, according to Kosolwat Inthuchanyong, head of the office for rights protection and legal assistance at the OAG.

On October 1, 20 students and three teachers from Wat Khao Praya Sangkharam School were killed when their bus caught fire on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road in Pathum Thani. Kosolwat stated that remedial measures are being implemented to support the parents of the deceased and injured students and teachers.

Compensation is being distributed to the affected families under a government-approved scheme, with prosecutors assisting beneficiaries in completing necessary documentation. The office is committed to ensuring that the families receive full compensation.

However, issues have arisen as some parents have come forward to claim compensation despite having not participated in raising the children, who were instead cared for by grandparents or other relatives from a young age. Kosolwat mentioned that in some cases, children were raised by a single parent, and the other parents are now disputing their right to compensation, either wholly or partially.

Bus fire

Additionally, the National Anti-Corruption Commission is investigating whether state officials were involved in the alleged illegal installation of gas tanks in the buses used for the school excursion.

The Thailand Consumer Council has proposed enhancing standards for school excursions and public transport, with a plan to submit these recommendations to the government this week. Kongsak Chuenkrailas, assistant secretary of the sub-committee on transport and vehicles, emphasised that school excursions should be tailored to the specific ages of students. In the recent excursion, kindergarteners and older students were travelling together to the same attractions.

The council suggests that 40-seater buses or larger vehicles must carry insurance offering at least 30 million baht (US$901,500) in compensation in case of accidents. Currently, bus companies are required to buy policies with a minimum insured sum of 10 million baht (US$300,500). Furthermore, the council will urge the government to include emergency drills in the school curriculum as part of scout training, reported Bangkok Post.

Deputy Education Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul announced that the ministry will be the sole entity collecting donations for the bus victims and their families to avoid scams and confusion. Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin stated that a young student with severe burns is undergoing a skin graft at the Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health.