The Assistant National Police Chief announced that DNA samples from 23 families have been collected, with identification expected to be completed within 48 hours. The bodies of the victims will then be transported back to their homeland amidst a very somber atmosphere. The government is mobilizing health, justice, education, and social development resources to provide full support to the bereaved families.
Regarding the tragic incident involving 23 teachers and students from Wat Khao Phra Yangkaram School in Uthai Thani, who perished in a bus fire during a field trip on October 1, 2024, updates indicate that relatives of the deceased have been arriving at the Police Hospital’s Institute of Forensic Medicine since October 2, 2024, to await DNA test results and reclaim the bodies. The institute has provided waiting areas for families, while media outlets were requested to refrain from interviewing the grieving relatives to avoid further emotional distress.
The Ministry of Public Health has deployed a psychological support team to assist the families. The Ministry of Justice is coordinating compensation support for the families. The Ruamkatanyu Foundation has provided transportation for the corpses back to Uthai Thani free of charge.
Meanwhile, investigators from the Provincial Police Region 1 and Khu Khot Police Station visited the Institute of Forensic Medicine to facilitate family inquiries.
At 8:30 AM, Police Lt. Gen. Korchai Klaiklueng and Police Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiwpan visited the families at the forensic hospital, reassuring them that the identification process would take no more than 48 hours. All DNA samples from the families of the deceased are currently collected.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Korchai stated that the forensic team would hold a meeting to expedite the identification process and discuss returning the bodies home. If fingerprints match governmental records, families will be able to take the bodies home. Transportation back to their hometown will be organized by highway and tourism police.
Furthermore, for the relatives waiting at the forensic institute, the Ministry of Education has arranged accommodation, and police are providing meals as they wait. Mental health staff are also present to support families, and investigators are assigned to each family of the victims for additional information about the deceased and injured.
This article was rewritten from a Thairath’s news article.
