Prosecutors to indict pub execs in Santika blaze disaster

BANGKOK, Feb 16 (TNA) - Thai prosecutors on Monday decided to indict managers of the Santika Club managers and other persons involved in organising the New Year's Eve party which became a fire tragedy killing 66 party-goers last year.

Warutporn Nimitkul, director-general of the Department of Southern Bangkok Criminal Litigation, said after the case consideration that prosecutors agreed to proceed the case against seven persons including club managers Wisuth Setsawat and Suriya Ritrabue.

Others who will be charged include Thawatchai Thumma, general manager in charge of the club premises, Putthipong Wilakkree, marketing manager and Pongthep Chinda, entertainment manager, the senior prosecutor said.

Mr Warutporn added that Sarawut Ariya, the lead singer of the club's band, called "Burn", who lit the fireworks during his performance, will also be indicted, as well as Boonchoo Laosinat from Focus Light System, which provided the special effects for the event.

All seven persons will be charged for recklessness causing other people's deaths and severe injury, Mr Warutporn said.

He said the accused will acknowledge the charges before the case will be forwarded for further legal proceeding.

Sixty-six persons died from smoke inhalation or in the stampede as revellers panicked and tried to escape through the club's single apparent exit, while hundred other injured as fire broke out at the two-storey Santika Club in Bangkok's Ekkamai area on January 1, 2009, just few minutes after they
celebrated the New Year countdown. (TNA)