Police seek charges against Bangkok bar owner for deadly fire

Thai police plan to charge the owner of a Bangkok bar with six offenses, including negligence, following a fire that claimed 37 lives last month, according to the lead investigator. Suvicha Salaibatr, the proprietor of the popular Rong Beer Na Lad Phrao restaurant and bar, was among several individuals hospitalized when the inferno engulfed his establishment on July 12.

Police issued an arrest warrant against him last week on charges encompassing negligence causing death, serious injury, harm, fire, criminal mischief, and operating an entertainment venue without a valid license. Chief investigator Isara Na Phatthalung stated that the owner is currently in the intensive care unit, but the hospital has not yet permitted police to read the charges to him.

Authorities aim to charge him as the sole suspect in the coming days. Conviction for the negligence charge could result in up to 10 years imprisonment. The victims mostly succumbed to smoke inhalation during the blaze, which was triggered by an electrical short circuit in the ceiling, as per police reports. Thailand's approach to health and safety regulations, particularly in bars and nightclubs, has been a subject of ongoing concern.

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