Justice Minister General Paiboon Koomchaya disbursed a total of Bt415,200 to the victims and relatives in line with legislation known as Damages for Injured People and Compensation and Expenses for the Accused in Criminal Cases.

The compensation included Bt103,000 for Nutthamon Thanatrisit, 18, who was blinded by a gunshot; Bt100,000 for the family of Banyawat Seubsomran, 15, who was shot dead in the crossfire of a gunfight; Bt100,000 for the relatives of Somchai Saardjit, 28, who was robbed and beaten to death; Bt43,800 for Phanurat Bunjarat, 22, who was stabbed and robbed; Bt48,400 for Nunnapus Penkul, 39, who was hurt when a canvas tent collapsed during the Children’s Day celebrations at Siam Paragon shopping mall; and Bt20,000 for the family of Nuttawan Chengphrapom, 6, who was also hurt in the tent collapse.

Paiboon said the victims involved in criminal cases had to be helped, particularly in the case of Nutthamon, who must be given aid and career support by the government. He said compensation for victims had to be distributed nationwide.