Bangkok Bar Fire Death Toll Rises to 32, Survivors Seek Compensation
A devastating fire at a Bangkok music bar has claimed the lives of at least 32 people, with many more injured in the tragic incident.
Survivors and family members of the victims visited a nearby police station to seek compensation, gather personal belongings, and share statements from the blaze. The fire broke out on Sunday night at the Rong Beer Na Ladprao bar, leaving a trail of destruction and heartbreak in its wake.
According to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, more than 70 people were injured in the fire, with 15 still in critical condition. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and authorities are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.
Many of the victims were found trapped in windowless bathrooms, where they may have sought to escape the flames. Wiroon Supasingsiripreecha, chief of the Institute of Forensic Medicine, revealed that most of the victims died from smoke inhalation, while a few died from burn injuries.
Natthaphong Lakhorn, 26, was at the beer hall on the night of the fire with four companions. He recounted seeing white smoke coming from the stage, which he initially thought was an effect from dry ice before realizing it was the start of a fire. ‘When the fire broke, I just ran, and then all power went out,’ Natthaphong said, adding that one of his companions, a relative, died in the fire. ‘It was so hectic.’
Kanticha Singkhon, 25, was at the police station to pick up a handbag and other personal belongings of her mother, who died in the fire. With her mother gone, Kanticha said she is now responsible for her younger brother. ‘I want them (the owners of the bar) to be the one reaching out to the families. Rather than having us come to the police station ourselves because they (family members of victims) would be going back to their hometowns by now.’
A lawyer representing the bar owners told local media that survivors and family members will initially receive 10,000 baht (approximately $300) in compensation. However, Kanticha expressed her disappointment with the offer, stating that ‘it’s not enough money for a funeral – I had to take a loan to arrange my mom’s funeral.’
Compensation Offer Insufficient, Say Victims’ Families
Many of the families affected by the tragedy have expressed their dissatisfaction with the compensation offer. ‘I have not had any financial arrangements, and no one has contacted me,’ Kanticha said, highlighting the need for more support from the bar owners.
A previous version of this article included an outdated figure of 24 people in critical condition. It has been corrected to use the most up-to-date figure of 15.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and calls for greater accountability from the bar owners and authorities. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on providing support to the victims and their families.
