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Survivors and family members of victims of a deadly bar fire in Bangkok visited a nearby police station on Wednesday to seek compensation, collect their belongings and share statements on the fire.
The fire that broke out on Sunday night killed at least 32 people and injured more than 70, 15 of whom are in critical condition, according to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.
The cause of the fire at the Rong Beer Na Ladprao bar is still under investigation.
Most of the dead were found trapped in windowless bathrooms, possibly trying to escape the flames, police said.
Wiroon Supasingsiripreecha, head of the Institute of Forensic Medicine, told reporters on Wednesday that most of the victims died of smoke inhalation, while a few died of burn injuries.
Natthaphong Lakhorn, 26, was in the beer hall on the night of the fire with four colleagues. He was sitting near the stage when the fire broke out.
He recounts seeing white smoke coming from the stage, which he first thought was caused by dry ice before realizing that it was the start of a fire.
“When the fire broke out, I ran away, then the electricity went out,” said Natthaphong, who said that one of his companions, a relative, died in the fire. “It was busy.”
On Wednesday, Natthaphong went to Phahonyothin police station in Bangkok to give a statement. Pictures of personal items, like smartphones, left behind the bar the night of the fire decorate the walls.
Bandages covered both of Natthaphong's ears and part of his forehead. He said he plans to seek compensation for this injury.
Natthaphong said he escaped through the back door of the bar near the bathrooms, and said there was a security guard who was using a flashlight to lead people out, contradicting police reports that the door was not used.
Kanticha Singkhon, 25, was at the police station to pick up the bag and other belongings of his mother who died in the fire.
An explosive device set fire to a bar in the Thai capital, killing at least 28 people and injuring scores more. Andrew Chang reveals what we know from officials, witness accounts and fire experts about what may have started the fire and why people may have struggled to escape. (Image credits: The Canadian Press, Reuters, Adobe Stock and Getty Images)
Since her mother is gone, Kanticha said that she is burdened by her younger brother.
“I want them [the owners of the bar] be the one who reaches the families. Instead of us coming to the police station because they [family members of victims] they will be returning to their homes now,” he said. “They won't have time, because each victim comes from far away.”
A lawyer representing the bar owners told the media that survivors and family members will receive 10,000 baht (about $420 Cdn) in compensation.
“There was not enough money for the funeral — I had to borrow money to organize my mother's funeral,” said Kanticha. “I don't have any financial plans, and no one has shaken me.”
