The authorities in the eastern Thai province of Sa Kaeo have confirmed that 9 Thai nationals remain missing following a devastating blaze at a Cambodian casino. At least 33 Thai people are believed to have died in the fire that broke out at the Grand Diamond City hotel and casino in the border city of Poipet on December 28.
Thawatchai Boonsang, from the Aranyaprathet District Office, says the bodies of 19 Thais have been brought back to Thailand, while 14 others remain in Cambodia. The Bangkok Post reports that 5 bodies are understood to be at Wat Trat in Poipet, 6 are at Poipet Hospital, and 3 are at Sisophon Hospital, in Banteay Meanchey province.
Meanwhile, 28 people who were injured in the blaze remain in hospital. Out of an original 50 missing Thai nationals, 41 have been found and returned to Thailand, according to Thawatchai, but 9 remain unaccounted for.
Thailand’s deputy national police chief, Surachate Hakparn, says the authorities in Cambodia have now ended the search as no new bodies were found at the site of the blaze. Most of the recovered bodies, the majority of whom were elderly people, were found in bedrooms, according to Surachate.
Meanwhile, in terms of compensation payments to victims, Suthipol Thaweechaikarn from the Office of Insurance Commission, says the regional office will assist victims and family members to claim compensation from the relevant insurance firms.
It’s understood two of the Thai nationals killed in the fire had life insurance policies with 200,000-baht premiums and medical expenses of 10,000 baht.
Ten of those injured had policies with 3 insurance companies, totalling 1,330,000 baht in accident compensation, 1,000,000 baht in life insurance, and 2,000 baht in daily compensation, according to the report.
SOURCE: Bangkok Post
