A 28-year-old Myanmar worker named Ko Aung Chan died in a hydraulic garbage truck accident while working for the municipal services in Rayong, Thailand. The AAC Alliance is now helping to secure proper funeral arrangements and compensation for his death. Ko Aung Chan, originally from War Taw Kwin village in Laymyethna Township, Ayeyarwady Region, had fled to Thailand to avoid forced military service after being selected in a military draft. He had been working at the municipal department through a broker’s arrangement when the fatal accident occurred on September 9.
U Khine Gyi, Director of the AAC Alliance, explained that they are facing difficulties in arranging proper funeral services due to Ko Aung Chan’s undocumented status. However, he emphasized that under Thai law, established by King Rama 9 in 2011, workplace compensation and wages must be provided equally regardless of nationality in cases of workplace deaths. The organization is committed to securing appropriate compensation for Ko Aung Chan’s family. The incident is particularly concerning as it occurred at a Thai government facility, raising questions about the treatment of workers in other, less regulated workplaces.
Ko Aung Chan had been working at the Rayong Municipal Department for less than a month when the fatal accident occurred. His wife sought assistance from the AAC Alliance following his death. Before fleeing to Thailand, Ko Aung Chan had been paying approximately 50,000 kyats monthly to his local ward administrator in Ayeyarwady Region to avoid military service. Despite these payments, he was still selected for military service and faced forced conscription, which led to his decision to flee to Thailand. The AAC Alliance noted that while this incident occurred within a Thai government facility, the difficulties in securing proper compensation and funeral arrangements highlight the broader challenges faced by Myanmar workers in Thailand, particularly those who have fled military persecution in their homeland.
