Sinmunkong Insurance Co Ltd branch manager, Samart Siribunjoong handed the compensation payments to Phang Nga Vice Governor Sakon Jantarak and Takua Thung district chief Anupap Rodhwan at Takua Thung Police Station yesterday (Oct 26).
The insurance company is also required to pay compensation to those injured by the fire with amounts varying on each individual’s injuries.
The bus, owned and operated by the Phang Nga based Trang Ruammit Co Ltd, left Phuket on the morning of Oct 7 and stopped at the Songpon Steel workshop in Takua Thung for minor welding repairs to a broken driver’s seat when the fire happened. (See story here)
Three people died as a result of the fire, three were severely injured and seven suffered minor injuries.
Phang Nga officials and the Phang Nga Office of the Insurance Commission contacted the bus owner’s insurance company as soon as was possible and filed a complaint for each of the victims.
Jareon Chookaew, the father of Sunisa Chookaew who died as a result of the fire said he thanked the Phang Nga officials and other departments involved in the case.
“Thank you for taking care of all the victims that died and suffered injuries from the bus fire. I am very pleased that the bus and insurance companies have paid the money right away and we haven’t had to wait or received any problem from them.
“They have been there for us from the very first day.
“If there is the possibility of additional money being paid, the insurance company have said they will consult with the bus company regarding this matter,” he said.
The driver of the bus has since been charged with negligence causing death and injury. (See story here)