Cabinet approves Bt2 billion compensation for protest victims
BANGKOK, Jan 10 – The cabinet on Tuesday resolved to pay Bt2 billion to compensate all the victims of political rallies which turned violent from late 2005 through 2010, according to the government spokesperson.
Speaking after today’s weekly cabinet meeting, Thitima Chaisang said the compensation as proposed by the Truth for Reconciliation Commission (TRC) would cover all groups of affected people be they state officials, government personnel, civilians, media personnel as well as citizens who either lost their lives or suffered injuries during violent protests by anti-Thaksin ralliers led by the People’s Alliance for Democracy (Yellow Shirts) in late 2005, the 2006 coup, violent incidents during the protests against the Somchai Wongsawat and Samak Sundaravej administrations and the anti-government protests of the UDD (UDD-United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship, or Red Shirts) during April-May 2010.
Families of those who lost their lives will be paid Bt4.5 million plus 250,000 for funeral expenses.
Those who were left permanently physically impaired would be entitled to Bt5.5 million compensation, Bt3.6 million for those who lost vital organs, other injuries would be paid compensation ranging from Bt3.6 million to 670,000 and 225,000 for minor injuries, the government spokesperson said.
In addition, those who were jailed more than 180 days but later acquitted by court order would be entitled to receive Bt1.5 million and 750,000 for those who were put behind bar for less than 180 days.
Concerning those who had been in jail longer than their jail terms for over 180 days would be paid Bt1 million and Bt500,000 for those whose days in jail not exceeding 180 days.
The government however did not release the exact numbers of those who are entitled to the compensation.
