On May 9, 2025, a significant step was taken towards providing humanitarian aid to victims of the recent collapse of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) building in Thailand. At a press conference held at the Council of Lawyers in Bangkok, representatives from the joint venture between China Railway and Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited (ITD) announced the disbursement of initial compensation funds to affected families.
The event was marked by the presence of Pol. Col. Thawil Sodsawang, the Minister of Justice, who witnessed the delivery of funds aimed at easing the suffering of those impacted by the tragedy. A total of 21 individuals were identified to receive the first round of compensation, with family members of the deceased receiving 1 million baht each, while those injured would receive 200,000 baht.
Mr. Sunthorn Phayakorn, Secretary of the Council of Lawyers, emphasized the humanitarian nature of this assistance, stating, "This aid is meant to help the brothers and sisters of the people who are victims of the DSI, 1 million baht in the case of death, and 200,000 baht for injuries, which does not involve any legal cases at all." This statement underscores the intent behind the funds, which are designed to provide immediate relief rather than serve as a legal settlement.
Among the deceased, 12 individuals were confirmed, with 10 being Thai nationals and 2 from Myanmar. The injured included 9 individuals who would receive the stipulated amount to assist with their recovery. In total, the initial compensation package amounted to approximately 13.8 million baht.
Mr. Kriangsak Kowattanawong, the project director of the ITD-CREC joint venture, expressed his condolences to the victims and their families. He noted, "We have been gathering information since day one, as there are over 10 companies involved in the construction project and approximately 300 workers on-site. However, we were only able to provide assistance to 21 individuals at this stage due to incomplete information. We want to ensure that all details are thoroughly checked to avoid future complications."
While the initial compensation has been disbursed, Mr. Kowattanawong assured that the joint venture remains committed to assisting all victims. He stated, "We will continue to work diligently to finalize all claims and provide the necessary support to all affected parties by the end of May."
Furthermore, the Council of Lawyers has established two committees to oversee the disbursement of funds and provide legal assistance. One committee focuses on legal support for victims, while the other is tasked with processing financial aid. As of now, 12 deceased individuals and 9 injured parties have been confirmed for assistance, with ongoing efforts to verify additional claims.
Ms. Malinee Watcharasin, a member of the committee, highlighted the importance of accurate documentation in the claims process. She stated, "We are working closely with the Department of Special Investigation to ensure that all information provided is accurate, particularly when it comes to verifying the relationships of claimants to the deceased."
This incident has raised significant concerns regarding construction safety standards and oversight. Mr. Kriangsak Kowattanawong reiterated that the joint venture had adhered to all necessary regulations during the construction process. He stated, "We have always conducted thorough inspections and have documentation from the materials approval committee and the supervising agency. There is no reason for us to use substandard materials."
In response to questions about the safety of the building design, Mr. Kowattanawong explained that modifications to the elevator shaft were made to comply with legal standards. He elaborated on the process, stating, "We consulted with the supervising agency, which then sought advice from the design team. The design team provided guidance on how to proceed, and we followed their recommendations."
Despite the assurances, many families remain apprehensive about the future and the potential for legal actions. Mr. Sunthorn Phayakorn clarified that accepting the compensation does not preclude victims from pursuing further legal claims if they believe the compensation is inadequate. He stated, "If victims think that the amount they received is not fair, they can pursue legal action, and we will consider those cases individually."
The joint venture has faced scrutiny not only for the incident but also for the management of the aftermath. Mr. Supamit Watananopakorn, representing China Railway No. 10 (Thailand), emphasized the need for transparency and cooperation in handling the situation. He stated, "We are committed to alleviating the suffering of the families affected by this tragic event, and we are working closely with all relevant parties to ensure that we provide the necessary support."
The tragic collapse of the DSI building has highlighted the importance of accountability and safety in construction practices. As investigations continue, the families of the victims await clarity on the circumstances surrounding the disaster and the future of their claims. The joint venture's commitment to humanitarian aid is a step towards addressing the immediate needs of those affected, but the path forward remains fraught with challenges as legal and regulatory inquiries unfold.
As the situation develops, the joint venture and the Council of Lawyers are expected to provide updates on the status of additional claims and the ongoing investigation into the collapse. The hope among the affected families is for a thorough and fair resolution that honors the memory of those lost and supports the recovery of the injured.
