Thai Prime Minister‘s Response to Tragedy Sparks Outrage, Contrasting Sharply with International Standards
A recent tragic incident in Bangkok, where a construction beam collapsed on Rama 2 Road, killing six people and injuring many more, has sparked outrage over the government’s response.
The Prime Minister, while addressing concerns about potential future demonstrations led by political activist Sondhi Limthongkul, her comments seemed to prioritize maintaining tourism over addressing the immediate tragedy. This starkly contrasts with the swift and immediate resignations of transportation ministers in countries like the UK and Serbia following similar construction-related incidents.
“We have to keep peace in the country as much as possible. Because if we go to any country and there is a crowd, We may not want to go. which will definitely affect tourism and the country,” the Prime Minister stated, drawing sharp criticism for seemingly prioritizing economic concerns over the loss of life.
In the UK, Transport Minister Louise Haigh resigned following an incident where she initially misled authorities about the whereabouts of her phone. Despite the incident being relatively minor compared to the devastating beam collapse, Haigh’s resignation demonstrated a commitment to accountability and transparency, reflecting a standard rarely witnessed in Thailand.
Similarly, in Serbia, following the collapse of a renovated railway station roof that claimed 15 lives, both the Minister of Construction and the former Transport Minister, who oversaw the renovation, stepped down.
"15 people did not die because of their own fault, but because somebody didn’t do the job right," stated Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, echoing international sentiments that those responsible for ensuring public safety must be held accountable.
Thailand’s record on construction safety incidents has been plagued by a worrying pattern of negligence. The Ministry of Transport has a history of failing to address calls both for increased safety protocols and more stringent oversight of construction projects. While the Minister of Transport, keeping with the government’s strategy, has promised an investigation and committed to providing compensation, the lack of decisive leadership and accountability only fuels public outrage.
The Prime Minister’s justification for her seemingly muted response, explaining her focus on potential protests rather than a national tragedy underscores a worrying trend. The country’s officials seem to be more concerned with continuing their careers and the survival of the government than with the safety and well-being of their citizens.
This blatant disregard for human life stands in stark contrast to the leadership shown by international counterparts following similar disasters, raising serious concerns about the state of governance in Thailand.
2024-12-01 09:47:00
#beam #fell #killing #innocent #people #conscience #Thai #politicians
## Thailand’s Leadership Under Fire: Beam Collapse Sparks Outrage over Government Priorities
A tragic construction beam collapse in Bangkok, killing six and injuring many others, has ignited a fiery debate about government accountability and the prioritization of economic concerns over human life. Prime Minister’s comments, focused on preventing potential protests by activist Sondhi Limthongkul and maintaining thailand’s tourism industry, have drawn sharp criticism for appearing to downplay the severity of the tragedy. This response stands in stark contrast to the swift resignations of transportation ministers in countries like the UK and Serbia following similar incidents, sparking urgent questions about the state of governance in Thailand.
To analyze this evolving situation and its implications, we spoke with **Dr. Sureerat Traisawasdieren**, a renowned political sociologist at Thammasat University, and **Aree Phanthasen**, a leading construction safety expert and former engineer with the Ministry of Transport.
### Contrast in response: Thailand vs. International Standards
**World-Today-News**: Dr. Traisawasdieren,the Prime Minister’s focus on tourism and potential dissent after the beam collapse has raised eyebrows. How does this response compare with international norms for handling such tragedies?
**Dr. Sureerat Traisawasdieren**: This starkly contrasts with international expectations. In many western democracies, resignations from relevant ministers are standard practice following such incidents, demonstrating accountability and commitment to public safety. The Prime Minister’s prioritization of tourism and protest prevention seems to indicate a disconnect with the principles of transparency and public service that should be paramount in any democratic society.
**World-Today-News**: Mr. Phanthasen, from a technical standpoint, what are the usual repercussions for construction-related accidents like this?
**Aree Phanthasen**:
The immediate aftermath typically involves a extensive examination into the cause of the collapse, identifications of any contributing negligence, and potential legal action against those responsible.Internationally, there’s a strong emphasis on holding both contractors and supervising authorities accountable.
### A History of Negligence: Construction Safety in Thailand
**World-Today-News**: Mr. Phanthasen, what is your view on the history of construction safety incidents in Thailand? Are there broader systemic issues at play?
**Aree Phanthasen**: Sadly, this incident isn’t an isolated case. thailand has a worrying track record of construction-related accidents. “Cutting corners” on safety protocols and lax oversight appear endemic in the industry. The Ministry of transport has repeatedly faced criticism for failing to implement stricter regulations and enforcement measures
**World-Today-News**: Dr. Traisawasdieren, how does the Prime Minister’s comment about wanting to “keep peace in the country” factor into this larger picture?
**Dr. Sureerat Traisawasdieren**: “This statement reveals a worrying underlying assumption: that the primary role of the government is to maintain stability, even at the expense of acknowledging public grief and demanding accountability. It prioritizes short-term economic concerns over long-term public well-being and trust in governance.”
### Looking Ahead: Calls for Change
**world-Today-News**: what are your predictions for the future? Will this incident trigger considerable change in Thailand’s construction industry and government response to such tragedies?
**Aree Phanthasen**: Regrettably, I’m not optimistic about immediate, sweeping change. Without demonstrable consequences for those responsible, there’s little incentive for the industry to prioritize safety. However, sustained public pressure and vocal condemnation could eventually force the government to take concrete steps towards strengthening regulations and ensuring accountability.
**Dr. Sureerat Traisawasdieren**: This incident serves as a stark wake-up call. **”It highlights the urgent need for a essential shift in Thailand’s political culture,one that values transparency,accountability,and the well-being of its citizens above all else.”**
What are your thoughts on the Prime Minister’s response to this tragedy? Share your opinions in the comment section below and stay informed with our ongoing coverage of this developing story.
**For more insight into Thailand’s political landscape, check out our analysis of the country’s upcoming elections and the rise of youth activism.**
