Survivors and families of victims from a Bangkok bar fire gathered at a police station on Wednesday to seek compensation and share accounts of the incident.
The fire, which erupted on Sunday night, caused at least 32 deaths and over 70 injuries, with 24 people remaining critically injured, according to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.
Investigations into the cause of the blaze at Rong Beer Na Ladprao bar are ongoing.
Authorities stated most victims were found unconscious in windowless bathrooms, possibly trying to escape the flames.
Wiroon Supasingsiripreecha, director of the Institute of Forensic Medicine, confirmed most casualties succumbed to smoke inhalation, with others from burn injuries.
Natthaphong Lakhorn, 26, described fleeing the bar upon seeing white smoke, initially mistaking it for dry ice effects. He escaped via the back door, aided by a security guard using a flashlight, contradicting police reports of the door being unused.
Bandaged injuries to both ears and his forehead led Natthaphong to seek compensation, as he stated: “It was so hectic.”
Kanticha Singkhon, 25,visited the station to retrieve her mother’s belongings, now caring for her younger brother. She criticized the bar owners for lacking communication with families, noting many victims were from distant locations.
A legal representative stated survivors and families would initially receive 10,000 baht (~$300) in compensation.
Kanticha added: “It’s insufficient for a funeral—I had to borrow money. No one has contacted me for financial support.”
