Police seek charges against Bangkok bar owner for deadly fire

Thai police are planning to charge the owner of a Bangkok bar with multiple offenses, including negligence, following a tragic fire on July 12 that claimed the lives of 37 people. Suvicha Salaibatr, the owner of the Rong Beer Na Lad Phrao restaurant and bar, was among the dozens of individuals hospitalized when the blaze engulfed the establishment.

Police have issued an arrest warrant against Salaibatr on six charges, which include negligence causing death, serious injury, harm, fire, criminal mischief, and operating an entertainment venue without a valid license. Chief investigator Isara Na Phatthalung informed AFP that Salaibatr has been transferred to the intensive care unit, but the medical team has not yet permitted the police to read the charges to him.

If found guilty, Salaibatr faces up to 10 years in prison for the negligence charge alone. The fire was caused by an electrical short circuit in the ceiling, and most victims perished from smoke inhalation. Thailand's approach to health and safety regulations, particularly in bars and nightclubs, has been a longstanding concern.

A similar fire at Bangkok's Santika club during New Year celebrations in 2009 resulted in 67 deaths and over 200 injuries.