Pairoj Pumpakdee sent a complaint to the local administration organisation about how he received just 40 baht to fix two window panes and four sliding doors damaged by explosions from the fire at the Taiwan-owned plastic and foam manufacturing factory in Bang Phli district.

He was told by Racha Thewa Tambon Administrative Organization (TAO) that his claim form was incomplete and he needed to pursue his complaint at Bang Phli district instead.

The 40-baht indemnity is absurdly low but what is worse is the feet-dragging and uncaring process that people such as Mr Pairoj have to go through.

Compensation for the fire was overseen by a joint committee formed between Bang Phli district and Ming Dih Co.

The committee had to decide the amount of payment based on information forwarded from the Racha Thewa TAO, known as one of the richest TAOs (it receives a 400 million baht development fund annually) which also recently made headlines for spending over 600 million baht on Kinneree solar-cell lamp posts.

Racha Thewa TAO had set up a centre for villagers to submit their compensation demands and an initial compensation total was estimated at 423 million baht to pay out to 1,422 households deemed eligible for indemnity.

But after six months, only 30% of victims have been compensated for damages to their property and assets, including 138 cars and 12 motorcycles.

The financial redress amount varies from 49,500 baht all the way down to 40 baht.

State agencies, especially the Department of Factories and local authorities that promote industrial development, are idle when they should instead be assisting villagers to survey any damage and help with preparing financial claims.

The government needs to improve compensation processes if it wants to achieve sustainable development. The state cannot only promote industry without taking care of local villagers and those who are victims of pollution and industrial accidents.

There was a proposal from civic groups to improve compensation mechanisms. During revisions to the Factory Act 1992 a few years ago, a provision to create a fund that collected money from factories or industrial projects was proposed.

The proposed fund was to be a way to advance money in compensation claims, so victims would not have to wait for an insurance company’s lengthy process to be complete. However, the proposal was voted down by the junta government in 2018.

But it’s not too late for the government or a party to bring back the proposal that can guarantee that people living near an industrial area will be well taken care of if something bad happens. Thailand has a number of laws to promote investment.

Now, it’s time for the legislation for compensating victims of unchecked industrial pollution and accidents to effectively help those in need.