A representative from the Workers’ Alliance Group (WAG) has reported that they are pursuing compensation for a Myanmar worker whose right arm was severed in a workplace accident at a sugarcane farm in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, after the employer denied responsibility and terminated his employment. The incident occurred when Ko Myo Zaw Oo was attempting to remove a fishing net that had become entangled in the water pump’s fan while irrigating the sugarcane field. During the removal attempt, the water pressure caused his arm to become caught between the net and machinery, resulting in the severance of his right arm from the shoulder.
Following the workplace accident, the employer not only refused to take any responsibility but also dismissed Ko Myo Zaw Oo from his position. This prompted the Workers’ Alliance Group to accompany Ko Myo Zaw Oo in filing complaints with both the local Pakan Sangkhon office and the Sawadikan office. However, the compensation process has been delayed due to the employer’s false statements regarding the hospital records. The employer, who had not properly registered with Pakan Sangkhon, attempted to evade paying compensation by falsely claiming that the worker had sustained the injury while fishing independently, rather than during his assigned work duties.
Currently, efforts are ongoing to secure appropriate compensation for Ko Myo Zaw Oo’s lost right arm, with labor lawyers working in conjunction with the municipal Pakan Sangkhon office to file additional complaints. Thai labor authorities have been conducting interviews with Ko Myo Zaw Oo as part of the compensation process. The Workers’ Alliance Group is gathering testimonies from eyewitnesses and collecting necessary evidence to support the case, demonstrating their commitment to ensuring justice for Ko Myo Zaw Oo. The organization continues to advocate for the worker’s rights and fair compensation for the severe workplace injury he sustained while performing his assigned duties.
