Bangkok bar owner faces up to 10 years over negligence charge after fire kills 37

Bangkok police plan to charge the owner of a popular Rong Beer Na Lad Phrao restaurant and bar with six offenses, including negligence, following a fatal fire in July. The incident, which left 37 people dead, occurred when an electrical short circuit ignited the venue on the evening of July 12. Suvicha Salaibatr, the bar owner, was among the numerous individuals hospitalized during the blaze.

Thai police issued an arrest warrant last week, accusing him of negligence causing death, serious injury, harm, fire, criminal mischief, and operating an entertainment venue without a license. Chief investigator Isara Na Phatthalung confirmed that Suvicha has been moved to the intensive care unit but the medical team has not yet cleared him to receive the charges.

If found guilty, the bar owner could face up to ten years in prison for the negligence charge alone. The tragedy echoes a similar fire at Bangkok's Santika club during New Year celebrations in 2009, which killed 67 people and injured over 200. Thailand's health and safety regulations, particularly in bars and nightclubs, have long been a subject of concern.