Pinoys affected by Thai violence urged to file damage claims before April 12

Filipinos affected by the political violence in Thailand from 2005 to 2010 will have until April 12 to file requests for financial assistance, the Philippine Embassy in Bangkok said. In a news release on its website, the embassy said the Thai Cabinet has approved the guidelines and procedures for financial assistance. "The financial assistance covers cases of loss of life, loss of organ and injury and includes victims of both Thai and foreign nationals," it said. Eligible individuals or authorized persons must register their request on or before April 12 at the Baan Rajavithi Girl’s Home, 255 Rajavithi Rd., Phyathai, Rajathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand, with telephone number (662) 659-6261. Also, they may register at the Royal Thai Embassies or Royal Thai Consulates General abroad, the Philippine embassy said. It added Thailand's Department of Social Development and Welfare, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security will be responsible for the disbursement of such financial assistance. However, international rights group Human Rights Watch said the Thai government should still undertake a transparent and impartial investigation into violence and abuses by all sides in the 2010 political upheavals. In a news release, HRW noted at least 90 people died and more than 2,000 were wounded during the 2010 political confrontations between the previous government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) protesters, known as “Red Shirts,” backed by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. “The victims of the violence in 2010 deserve justice and accountability, not another round of political whitewash,” said Brad Adams, HRW's Asia director. Last March 27, the parliamentary Committee on National Reconciliation presented to a joint session of the House of Representatives and the Senate a proposal submitted by the King Prajadhipok’s Institute (KPI). KPI recommended releasing the fact-finding report of the government-appointed Truth for Reconciliation Commission (TRCT) “when the time and conditions are suitable” and with the names of those responsible for violence removed. The report also proposed a broad amnesty for leaders and supporters of all political movements, politicians, government officials, and members of the security forces involved in the violence. The Pheu Thai Party, together with its coalition partners and a majority of senators, voted in favor of a motion to place the report on the parliamentary agenda for urgent consideration on April 4 and 5. Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung also said a reconciliation bill based on similar principles will soon be submitted to the parliament by the party and its coalition partners. But HRW said that while the victims welcomed Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s decision to provide financial reparation to those affected by political violence, they were disappointed that the actions by the parliament would result in keeping the truth buried and block accountability. "To end the cycle of impunity in Thailand, Prime Minister Yingluck and her government should promptly bring charges against those responsible for crimes committed during the 2010 violence, whatever their political affiliation or official position in the military or government, Human Rights Watch said. No amnesty should be given for serious human rights abuses," it said. “Thai people should no longer suffer in silence, while generals and politicians make peace with each other in the interests of escaping accountability for criminal conduct,” Adams added. — LBG, GMA News