A group of elderly residents from Udon Thani on Thursday filed a complaint with the Anti-Corruption Police Division, seeking legal action against a funeral fund association accused of failing to pay benefits worth about 1.2 billion baht.
The group was accompanied by lawyer Ronnarong Kaewpetch, who said the victims wanted police to examine the Udon Saengrung Funeral Fund Association's financial transactions.
Mr Ronnarong said the move was prompted by complaints from heirs of fund members, who have yet to receive funeral compensation promised by the fund following their relatives' deaths.
More than 21,000 people have allegedly been affected, with total damages estimated at over 1.25 billion baht. Udon Thani recorded the highest number of victims tied to the association, the lawyer said.
The attorney pointed out that political groups in several provinces were involved in managing the funeral funds, adding that similar funds have been used to build political support.
"No state agency has stepped forward to help solve this problem," Mr Ronnarong said.
Somjetanakongwinai Saibuator, who represents the network of victims, said Udon Saengrung Funeral Fund association introduced membership categories and age restrictions, which could be in violation of the Funeral Welfare Act.
