Bangkok: Victims of the recent fire at the Lat Phrao brewery are speaking out about the terrifying moments they faced while escaping the blaze, as their families plead for financial support to cover mounting medical bills.
According to Thai News Agency, families of those injured are struggling to afford medical treatment and are being pressured to pay over 400,000 baht. Some victims have now been discharged from the hospital and are providing statements to authorities.
One of the injured victims, a regular customer at the brewery, recounted his harrowing escape to investigators at Phaholyothin Police Station. On the day of the fire, he and his friends were seated near the restroom. Unaware of the danger unfolding near the stage, it was not until he heard shouting about a fire that he attempted to flee through the restaurant's back door. The narrow passageway caused chaos as patrons scrambled for the exit.
The victim sustained first-degree burns on his arms, neck, and face, and bruises on his legs from the frantic escape. His relatives are deeply worried about the financial burden of his treatment and are seeking assistance from relevant agencies.
Meanwhile, relatives of seriously injured victims, one Thai and one Laotian, have sought help from Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Thanakrit Chittra-areerat, a former secretary to the Minister of Justice. They are overwhelmed by the medical expenses and compensation issues.
Mr. Phitsanu, whose wife Ms. Thasanai is in the ICU, expressed his struggles with traveling long distances to the hospital and caring for their other two children. He is also concerned about the legal process for compensation. Similarly, the mother of Ms. Ui, the Laotian victim, faces a daunting hospital bill exceeding 550,000 baht and has only 40,000 baht available. Attempts to contact the brewery have been unsuccessful.
Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Thanakrit emphasized that victims are entitled to compensation from the government under the Act on Compensation for Victims and Compensation and Expenses for Defendants in Criminal Cases. He urged families to expedite applications for compensation through the Ministry of Justice.
Additionally, a committee has been formed to investigate potential police negligence. Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom, the Bangkok Metropolitan Police Commissioner, stated that the investigation will determine if officers neglected their duties by allowing the brewery to operate beyond permitted hours, contributing to the incident.