Phuket Officials Provide Support to Families of Myanmar Workers Killed in Landslide

Phuket officials recently attended the funerals of three of the nine Myanmar workers killed in a landslide on August 23, assuring the public that efforts are underway to provide compensation to those affected. The Phuket Provincial Social Security Office is working to expedite financial support under various social security measures.

Compensation for Families of the Victims

During a ceremony held at Wat Chaithararam (Wat Chalong), officials from the Phuket Provincial Social Security Office presented compensation to the next-of-kin of three Myanmar workers who lost their lives in the landslide.

The victims, Ms. Ei Ei San and Mr. Aung Paing Phyo, both employed by Coral 789 Co Ltd, were entitled to receive funeral expenses amounting to B50,000 each, along with a pension payout of B11,700. Another victim, Ms. Let Let San, previously employed by Mr. Samran Chophon, was eligible to receive funeral expenses of B50,000 and retirement benefits of B900.

Ongoing Recovery and Support Efforts

Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee attended the funerals and emphasized the need for urgent preventive measures, noting that while the landslide situation in Tambon Karon has improved, cleanup efforts are still ongoing in some areas.

"Although the landslide situation in Tambon Karon has improved and some areas have returned to normal, cleanup efforts are still ongoing in certain places. This flood will likely remain in everyone's memory, highlighting the need for urgent preventive measures," Mr. Chalermpong stated.

On August 30, Mr. Chalermpong and his team visited Tambon Karon to monitor the progress of assistance and observe response efforts by local authorities. At the disaster relief command center at Wat Kata, donated items were packed into survival bags and distributed to affected villages and neighborhoods. The officials also requested that the victims sign their names for data verification purposes, with plans for further discussions on compensation.

The command center at Wat Kata, responsible for coordinating the relief efforts, officially closed on August 30 at 3 p.m. "I would like to express my gratitude to all the community members, cooks, volunteers, and agencies that provided assistance during this incident, as well as to the rescue teams," Mr. Chalermpong added.

Inspection of Safety Measures and Restricted Areas

Later in the day, Mr. Chalermpong, accompanied by the Director of the Phuket Forestry Center, visited the Big Buddha at Khao Nakkerd to review safety measures taken by officials. Three 'Seized Area' signs were placed around the parking lot and bathroom area, covering 5 rai 19 wah, to prevent unauthorized access.

The signs state: "Area 5-0-19 rai. This case was reported at Karon Police Station by the Provincial Police Region 1 at 8:51 p.m. on August 27, 2024, Notification number CC 1442256703129 A. No one is allowed to enter or occupy this area."

Moving Forward

While financial compensation has been provided to the families of some of the victims, Phuket officials are continuing their efforts to support those affected by the landslide and enhance safety measures in the region. The recent events have underscored the importance of implementing preventive measures to avoid similar incidents in the future.