Thai police charge pub owner as Bangkok fire death toll hit 41
BANGKOK: Thai police said on Tuesday they submitted charges against the owner of a Bangkok pub to prosecutors, a month after a fire at the venue killed more than 40 people in the country’s deadliest blaze in five years.
The Thai police have filed charges against the owner of a Bangkok pub, following a deadly blaze that claimed over 40 lives last month, marking the nation's deadliest fire in five years. Police Major General Kiatikul Sonthinern disclosed the charges, which encompass negligence resulting in death, serious injury, physical and mental harm, causing a fire, and operating an unlicensed entertainment venue.
The owner, currently hospitalized, is unable to respond to the charges. The death toll has climbed to 41, with 10 victims still in the hospital, according to the Bangkok Emergency Medical Centre. The fire originated at the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub in Bangkok's northern Chatuchak district, triggered by an electrical short circuit due to unauthorized alterations to the electrical system.
Experts attributed the tragedy to the use of non-fire-retardant foam and plastic decorations, which generated intense heat and toxic smoke. The government has pledged to enforce stricter regulations, including conducting random inspections at entertainment venues to ensure safety.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
