Bangkok: The body of Police Sergeant Major Thanakorn Petchthong, known as "Sergeant Dan," has been received by his grieving family following his death in the brewery fire in Lat Phrao. Sergeant Dan, aged 23 and a squad leader in the 1st Division of the Special Operations Command, was the 39th victim of the tragic incident that took place at the Ladprao Beer Bar.
According to Thai News Agency, Sergeant Dan's family arrived at Police Hospital at 10:30 AM to claim his body for religious funeral rites after he succumbed to injuries sustained during the fire. On the day of the incident, Sergeant Dan was substituting for a friend at the bar when he was caught in the blaze. Although his condition initially improved, the damage caused by smoke inhalation eventually led to his death on August 15th. His family made the difficult decision to not prolong his life due to his suffering.
The family brought along a photo of Sergeant Dan, as well as his favorite foods, to commemorate him. They were accompanied by Pood, a one-year-old male tabby cat who was closely attached to Sergeant Dan. His girlfriend shared a poignant video of Pood scratching at Sergeant Dan's photo, adding to the family's sorrow. Despite their grief, the family and fellow officers declined to speak with the media but shared that Sergeant Dan was working as a security guard at the bar as a favor to a friend.
Sergeant Dan's family expressed pride in his service as he was the only member to serve in the military. He had aspirations of joining the SEALs, but heeding his wife's concerns, he chose to remain in the commando unit. His funeral rites are scheduled from August 16-20 in his birthplace in Ranong Province, with cremation to follow on August 23.
The Office of Financial Assistance to Victims and Defendants in Criminal Cases reported that, as of August 15, 2026, a total of 107 victims were affected by the fire, with 39 fatalities and 68 injuries. Financial assistance has been provided to 43 relatives of the deceased and injured. For Sergeant Dan, compensation of 300,000 baht will be awarded to his family.