Wiang Pa Pao District Chief Disburses Charity Money to Pithakkaiat Witthaya School Victims

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CHIANG RAI – Thuenjai Thanachaikan a volunteer at a Pithakkaiat Witthaya School has told reporters that the school has reopened, but only about a third of the students returned because some families remain wary of safety.

Ms. Thanachaikan, who helps out at the Pithakkaiat Witthaya School outside of Chiang Rai, said that of the 142 students enrolled, less than 41 returned to classes Monday.

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She said parents are having a difficult time deciding whether to allow their young children to return.

The cause of the fire was not immediately known, police have not yet confirmed any cause — or culpability.

Provincial Authorities have resolved the disbursement of monies received and present families of students killed  with compensation money of 750,000 baht each.

Wiang Pa Pao District Chief Prasert Jitpleecheep has called a meeting with the committee in charge of providing assistance to all students who were affected by the fire at a girls’ dormitory of Pitakiatwittaya School on May 22. Also joining the discussion were around 50 teachers and parents of affected children.

The district chief said money raised through the bank’s was a combined 14.77 million baht for the fire victims. Of the amount, 750,000 baht will be paid to the family of each of the 17 students killed while two other students who are in critical condition will receive 400,000 baht and 600,000 baht. For three others with minor injuries, they will be given 100,000 baht each.

In addition to this, death benefits were previously paid by insurance companies to families of the deceased at the rate of 200,000 baht each. An average of 400,000 baht in aid money was also offered to each of them by public and private organizations.