Police Charge Beer Hall Owner With Five Counts in Fatal Fire
Police charged the owner of an unlicensed Ladprao beer hall with five counts after a fire caused by faulty wiring killed multiple people, with investigators finding emergency exits blocked and doors locked in violation of safety regulations
Police announced on August 7, 2026, at Phaholyothin Police Station that they have filed charges against the owner of a beer hall in Ladprao with five serious counts, including operating an unlicensed establishment, with evidence showing tables blocked emergency exits and fire escape doors were locked in violation of fire safety laws.
Deputy Police Chief Pol. Lt. Gen. Kiatikul Sandikul revealed that investigators conducted interviews with 211 witnesses, including experts and forensic officers, and concluded that the fire was caused by faulty electrical wiring that shorted and ignited acoustic foam insulation. The owner, 45-year-old Suwichai Sailbat, faces charges of reckless arson (up to 7 years imprisonment and 140,000 baht fine), recklessness causing death (up to 10 years and 200,000 baht), recklessness causing severe injury (up to 3 years and 60,000 baht), recklessness causing bodily or mental harm (up to 1 month and 10,000 baht), property damage, and operating without proper authorization.
The investigation found that the fire started from electrical short-circuiting due to improper wiring modifications. The layout of the establishment was unsafe, with numerous tables and emergency exits blocked or locked in violation of fire safety regulations. Staff and customer interviews confirmed negligence on the part of the owner. Seven case files have been submitted to prosecutors for consideration.
