A senior Trang police officer who lost a hand in an on-duty traffic accident in 2010 is calling on the National Police Office to keep its promise to fully compensate him for the work-related injury.
Pol Lt Col Thawat Khaimarn, an inspector at Trang police station, met the press Wednesday in tambon Thung Kai of Yan Ta Khao district to bring attention to his plight.
He said he was one of 197 Trang officers sent to Bangkok to bolster local forces during the 2010 red-shirt demonstrations.
After completing their seven-day tour, the officers were driven back to their base in Trang by bus. But the coach in which Pol Lt Col Thawat was riding got into an accident. He was the one only seriously injured. His right hand was nearly torn off, his left hand was broken and he suffered rib and spine injuries.
Pol Lt Col Thawat said several top police officials visited in hospital and deputy national police chief Pongsapat Pongcharoen told his mum in front of the media that the Royal Thai Police Office would take care of his welfare, promote him and provide financial compensation, as he was injured in the line of duty.
But Pol Lt Col Thawat said he got only payment for medical treatment, nothing else.
Later in 2013, the then-government announced it would pay compensation to people impacted by political violence between 2005 and 2010. The officer filed a claim with Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, but has never received a response.
"I have spent the welfare money on treatment, but did not get any special promotion as promised," he said. "I have had to change my life and depend a lot on my wife. I have had to cut my social activities, as I'm afraid of being rejected."
"I and colleagues who were in the same accident would like to ask whether we have to lose our lives first to get remedial treatment," Pol Lt Col Thawat added.