Bangkok: The Police Chief has confirmed that the shareholders of the Ladprao Beer Garden restaurant must take responsibility if the owner succumbs to injuries. It remains unclear whether the exit gates of the "Brewery at Ladprao" were locked during the incident, but an investigation is underway. All women associated with the restaurant will assume civil liability if the owner dies. A platform for evaluating restaurants is being considered, with the Bangkok Metropolitan Police as the pilot project before expanding to provincial forces.
According to Thai News Agency, Police General Kittiratt Phanphet, the Commissioner General of the Royal Thai Police, discussed the ongoing investigation into the fire at "Beer House at Ladprao." He noted that he had not yet received a forensic report but was aware of a meeting held at the Bangkok Metropolitan Police headquarters. He emphasized that the investigation is progressing, with the bartender remaining in a "high-risk" condition in the ICU, preventing them from giving a statement.
Regarding the restaurant's legality, Pol. Gen. Kittiratt stated that an investigation is underway to determine if proper permits were obtained and whether the business operated illegally post-approval. On rumors of a locked exit door, he found four doors during a site visit and speculated that one door might have been locked due to business practices. Investigators have been instructed to examine photographs and gather more witness testimonies.
Pol. Gen. Kittiratt also addressed whether the absence of clearly marked fire exits constituted an offense, noting that a small exit sign was damaged in the fire. He ordered forensic experts to verify its purpose and validity. He elaborated on the investigation into potential civil and criminal liabilities for the business owner and partners, emphasizing the need to identify all involved parties.
While not setting a specific timeframe for the investigation, Pol. Gen. Kittiratt acknowledged the incident's seriousness and the need for a thorough investigation. He mentioned past incidents at Santika Pub and Mountain B as reminders of the importance of diligent investigations. The investigation's accuracy, thoroughness, and clarity are prioritized over speed.
Pol. Gen. Kittiratt concluded by discussing the need for comprehensive inspections of restaurants, urging cooperation with relevant agencies. He outlined plans to develop a platform for verifying evacuation and emergency procedures, emphasizing the importance of balancing profitability with customer safety. The Bangkok Metropolitan Police Command will initially oversee this initiative, with plans to expand it to other regions.