MYANMAR workers at a factory construction site in Rayong where a tower crane collapsed killing seven of their colleagues yesterday (Mar. 29) staged a second protest today over not getting social security payments throwing bottles and rocks at vehicles of journalists from various TV channels who ran for their lives, Naewna newspaper said.
Around five hundred Myanmar workers had rallied yesterday to get compensation for their deceased colleagues for around seven hours not allowing rescuers to take their bodies for autopsy with a settlement finally reached in the wee hours of this morning for payment of 1.6 million baht including social security benefits to each of the deceased workers’ families.
However today a hundred of them rallied again, saying they were angry because in the past whenever there was an accident or they got sick from work they had to pay their own medical expenses.
Rayong’s Deputy Governor Kamthorn Wehan, police officers, Social Security and Labour Ministry officials then held a new round of negotiation at the site.
Social Security officials later said the protest stemmed from a misunderstanding of their social security rights and after an explanation was given they now understand what they are entitled to.
However during the ruckus some media vehicles parked in front of the construction site were damaged by rocks and bottles thrown at them with the reporters quickly dashing for safety.
Mr. Chitphakorn Kobutr, a reporter at Channel One, said he had just arrived to drop off another reporter and was parking the vehicle when he saw a Chinese foreman running out and upon looking ahead again he saw a big brick flying towards them.
He then got back into the vehicle to back out and drive away but just as he was doing so two Chinese foremen jumped in.
He quickly drove away and after a safe distance told the Chinese foremen to leave immediately.
CAPTION:
Myanmar workers attacking media vehicles in front of the construction site where a tower crane collapsed yesterday, Mar. 29. 2024, killing seven of their colleagues. Photos: Naewna
Also read; Protesting Myanmar workers settle for 1.6m baht per death
Workers protest as crane collapses killing 7, injuring many others
French naval units to join Asean exercises, patrols
Casino could help boost tourism, economy: PM
World Happiness Report: Why is Finland #1 and Thailand #58?
Thaksin has not been seriously ill at all: Rangsiman
