Beer hall to compensate victims, cooperate with probe

The lawyer representing a beer hall gutted by a massive fire that killed at least 30 people and injured many others met with investigators today, pledging to pay compensation to all victims and assist with investigation.

Nithirut Jatiyatheeranun, the lawyer representing Rong Beer Na Ladphrao, met investigators at Phahonyothin Police Station in the afternoon to submit documents related to the business, including its registration papers, lease agreement and other records.

Nithirut said the beer hall was prepared to compensate both the families of those killed and those injured in the blaze.

For each fatality, the business has set aside 10,000 baht for funeral expenses and initial financial assistance, with sufficient funds prepared for the families of all 30 victims.

Relatives can collect the payments at Phahonyothin Police Station.

He said the money came from emergency funds provided jointly by the owner’s family and four to five other people connected with the business. They agreed that providing immediate assistance to victims and their families was the top priority.

Details of compensation for the injured are still being discussed, but the lawyer said the beer hall intends to provide financial assistance to every victim and will work to complete the process as quickly as possible.

Nithirut said the restaurant’s insurance policy is expected to cover compensation for all victims, although the total amount cannot yet be determined until the insurer completes its damage assessment.

The lawyer said the beer hall’s owner remains in critical condition in an intensive care unit and has been unable to provide a statement to police because she has been unconscious since the fire.

Doctors have described her condition as “50-50,” Nithirut said, adding that investigators could question her later if her condition improves.

Representatives of the business also intend to meet every bereaved family after completing formalities with police to express their condolences and accept responsibility for the tragedy, he said.

Nithirut said further issues remain under review, including insurance compensation and whether the restaurant’s employees were registered under Thailand’s Social Security system and entitled to benefits available to insured workers under Section 33 of the Social Security Act.

Earlier, the business posted an apology on social media, expressing condolences to the families of those killed and wishing those injured a speedy recovery.

The beer hall said it had established a coordination centre to assist victims and their families while pledging full cooperation with police and other authorities investigating the cause of the fire.

It also confirmed that the owner remains in intensive care with serious injuries and urged the public to rely only on updates posted through its official Facebook page to avoid the spread of unverified information.