Beer Bar Owner's Sister Questioned Over Fire Documents
Police questioned the sister of a beer bar owner and collected documents as the death toll from a devastating fire reached 31, with investigators now focusing on the cause and examining claims that emergency exits were locked.
Police Region 2 revealed that the sister of beer bar owner Suwichai has been called in for questioning and provided lease agreements and business licenses to investigators. The death toll now stands at 31, with 30 victims identified and one still being confirmed. So far, 28 bodies have been returned to families, and 30 families have provided DNA samples for identification. Among the injured, 24 are in critical condition, 12 are seriously injured, and 40 have minor injuries.
Investigators have interviewed 51 witnesses to date, including the bar owner and 16 staff members, along with 32 family members of the deceased and injured, plus two officials who inspected the scene. Tomorrow, experts in building structure and electrical systems will be questioned, while investigators continue gathering evidence including CCTV footage and statements from all injured persons.
Regarding claims that the emergency exit was locked from outside, police say preliminary witness statements from two people—a bar employee and a candy seller—are inconclusive and require corroboration from other evidence. Police also revealed they are investigating a man dressed as an official who gave media interviews about the fire, checking whether he was impersonating a government officer. Authorities confirmed that their primary focus remains on the cause of the fire and the loss of life. Six motorcycles and one car left at the scene are awaiting collection by their owners at Phahonyothin Police Station.
