Thai pub owner charged in connection with deadly blaze

 A music bar owner in eastern Thailand who killed 15 people and injured more than 30 last week was released on bail after appearing in court to hear the charges against him.

From Associated Press

August 8, 2022 at 4:26 AM

BANGKOK - A music bar owner in eastern Thailand whose fire killed 15 people and injured more than 30 others last week was released on bail on Monday as he went to court to hear the charges against him.

Pongsiri, owner of Mountain B pub in the Sattahip district of Chonburi province, about 100 miles southeast of Bangkok, turned himself in late Saturday at Pang Prasong, who faces up to 10 years in prison and up to 200,000 baht ($5,580) ) fines.

When he appeared in court on Monday, he was granted bail of 300,000 baht ($8,390) provided he wore a tracking device. A live band played regularly on the pub's stage, including early Friday morning when a fire broke out in the ceiling above them.Police said the facility is only allowed to operate as a restaurant. It says.

The site of the fire, which broke out early Friday morning, remained off-limits Monday as forensic police and building inspectors worked to determine the cause of the fire and whether the pub meets building codes.

"I am sorry. I would like to apologize to the families of the victims," ​​Pongsiri told reporters through the back window of a police detention vehicle at Pattaya Court. Pongsiri, who covered her face with a mask, hat and towel, said she would compensate the victims.

Many of those injured in the fire suffered severe burns and were in critical condition. He died 13 people at the scene, he died one in hospital on Friday, and the 15th victim, Thanakrit Ninoy, died on Saturday. His sister told local media that Thanakrit went to a pub with his wife and friends to celebrate his birthday. His wife is hospitalized for treatment. The governor of Bangkok, Thailand's largest city, said Saturday that before the fire, the city inspected more than 400 entertainment venues in the city and found 83 facilities did not meet safety standards.

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