Survivors and relatives of individuals impacted by a fatal bar fire in Bangkok made a visit to a nearby police station on Wednesday to request compensation, retrieve belongings, and provide statements regarding the incident. The fire, which occurred on Sunday night, resulted in the death of a minimum of 32 individuals and over 70 injuries, with 15 individuals still in critical condition, as confirmed by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.
The origin of the fire at the Rong Beer Na Ladprao bar is currently being investigated. Authorities mentioned that a significant number of the deceased were discovered trapped in bathrooms without windows, where they likely sought refuge from the fire. Wiroon Supasingsiripreecha, head of the Institute of Forensic Medicine, stated that most victims succumbed to smoke inhalation, while a few perished from burns.
Natthaphong Lakhorn, 26, was present at the bar with four companions during the fire. He described witnessing white smoke emanating from the stage, initially mistaking it for dry ice effects before realizing it was a fire outbreak. Natthaphong, who lost a relative in the fire, recalled the chaotic situation when the fire ignited.
Natthaphong, who sustained injuries, including bandages on his ears and forehead, visited the Phahonyothin Police Station to provide his statement. He intends to seek compensation for his injuries. Additionally, he contradicted reports from the police, stating that he exited through the back door near the bathrooms, where a security guard was assisting people with a flashlight.
Another individual, Kanticha Singkhon, aged 25, was at the police station to collect her deceased mother’s belongings. She expressed the responsibility of caring for her younger brother following her mother’s passing. Kanticha emphasized the importance of the bar owners reaching out to the families, as many have returned to their hometowns and may not have the means to visit the police station.
A legal representative of the bar owners informed the media that survivors and family members would receive an initial compensation of 10,000 baht (approximately $420 Cdn). Kanticha expressed dissatisfaction with the compensation amount, highlighting the financial strain of arranging her mother’s funeral without any assistance or contact from the responsible parties.