Man in Military Gear Clarifies Role at Bangkok Beer Hall Fire
A former city council candidate who wore tactical gear at a Bangkok beer hall fire explained he is a trained civil defense volunteer who had just left an airsoft event and responded to help with his emergency certification.
On July 14, 2025, Chitpong Kattapong, also known as 'Nutty,' a former candidate for the Phayathai District city council, went live on social media to explain his presence at the fire scene. He stated that he was wearing tactical gear that day because he had been participating in an activity in the Rangsit area. When his Phayathai District civil defense volunteer unit received an alert about the fire at a beer hall in Ladprao, he left immediately to assist.
"I have received training in high-rise buildings, large structures, and emergency response from Bangkok's disaster prevention and mitigation office. Since I've been trained, I wanted to give back and use my knowledge to help others," Kattapong explained. He noted that he had initially removed the gear when leaving the airsoft arena but put it back on for safety reasons before arriving at the fire scene.
When asked about the black radio visible in photos, Kattapong confirmed he had received training in radio communications and holds a personal radio code (Phraya 413) as a member of the Phayathai civil defense unit. He emphasized that his ID cards, including his reserve officer card, are genuine and not counterfeit. He obtained his reserve officer rank through completing three years of Reserve Officers' Training and holding a high school diploma or vocational certificate. He clarified that while he holds this rank, he receives no salary and is not a government employee, but can be called upon to assist during emergencies.
