Doctor Urges Fire Evacuation Training After Bangkok Bar Blaze

Following the fire at a Ladprao beer bar on July 12 that killed multiple people and left many injured, Dr. Srawit Suaboon, known as Mor Kaeng, shared crucial survival advice while appearing at the Finn Stars Market event at The Mall Lifestyle Store in Bangkapi. He emphasized that all victims deserve care and treatment, and called on authorities to strengthen safety protocols to prevent future disasters.

On survival techniques for mass casualty events, Mor Kaeng stressed the importance of staying calm: "In theory, everyone knows the first step is to keep your wits about you, but in reality, when faced with such an event, it's nearly impossible to stay mentally alert. We must train ourselves starting today, not wait for disaster to strike. We need practical training so our bodies become accustomed to maintaining composure." He advised that when encountering an emergency, people should first stay still and observe their surroundings, listen for guidance from those who understand the situation, and avoid panicking or pushing others. He noted that basic knowledge like wetting cloth to cover the nose and mouth and crouching low are essential but often forgotten in the chaos of the moment.

Regarding burn injuries, Mor Kaeng cautioned that serious burns, especially on the face and neck, require immediate medical attention and cannot be self-treated, as victims risk losing critical fluids and minerals. On prevention measures, he acknowledged his own limitations in knowing all regulations, and expressed skepticism that operators of large establishments like bars would be unaware of safety requirements. He implied that both business owners who violate safety standards and government agencies responsible for enforcement must be held accountable to prevent future tragedies.