Women's Funeral Fund Members Seek Justice After Association Dissolution, Over 170 Funeral Compensation Claims Pending

On February 21, 2024, heirs and members of the Women's Funeral Assistance Association in Phlapphla Chai District, Buriram Province, submitted evidence to local police, seeking justice after their association was dissolved in July 2023. The association's chairman and officials allegedly embezzled funds, leaving over 170 deceased members' families without funeral compensation, averaging around 80,000 baht per claim. This has forced families to borrow money for funeral expenses, contrary to the association's original purpose. Not only have 170 deceased members' families not received compensation, but over 4,000 living members have also lost significant amounts of money they paid in advance contributions and membership fees. Members are now demanding police intervention to prosecute those responsible and recover the misappropriated funds. Several members, like Wichuda Pherngwicha, who joined the association in 2559 to support her parents, have been repeatedly promised compensation but received nothing. A new association leadership has been established, promising transparency and accountability.