SANTIKA PUB INFERNO

Court merges cases to speed up trial

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Criminal Court Monday merged three cases relating to the Santika Pub fire into one, to speed up the litigation process.

The merging request came from public prosecutors for the plaintiff, and all defendants had no objection.

Currently, the plaintiff and coplaintiffs plan to bring 243 people to the witness stand while seven defendants in the case also offer to provide a large number of witnesses.

The next hearing session will take place on April 8.

The case relates to a fire which raged through the upscale Santika Pub in Bangkok during a countdown party to celebrate New Year 2009. The incident killed 66 people and injured many others.

Relatives of some victims have become coplaintiffs in the case.

The seven defendants are Thawatchai Srithumma, the pub's director of operations, Pongthep Jinda, the pub's entertainment manager, Wuttipong Wailikree, the pub's marketing manager, Wisuk Setsawat, the pub's executive, Burn lead singer Sarawut Ariya, who allegedly lit a firework during the party, Focus Light Sound System, which arranged specialeffects for the party and the company's executive Boonchu Laosinart.

The defendants are facing charges of recklessness that led to death, serious injuries and property damage.

Some were also charged with illegally allowing people younger than 20 into the pub.

The defendants have denied any wrongdoing.

-- The Nation 2010-03-29

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I hope something will happen, I grew up going there.

I thought the allegation the singer lit a firework was already proven false since video showed him exiting the stage having never lit anything. Like he was a patsy or something and the police looked foolish when the actual video came out showing his innocence.

Extremely sad in this case and generally annoying beyond belief how slowly the judicial system works (or doesn't) here.

And all the people in the chain who allowed the licences? whatever happened over all that? Police etc?

And all the people in the chain who allowed the licences? whatever happened over all that? Police etc?

It was owned by the police. I believe the licensee was the car park attendant When you have a former deputy prime minister under samak, police captain charlem, whose children routinely murder people wherever they go, controlling much of the illegal gambling in Bangkok, you'll never see justice. But it's what Thais want as they keep voting for these 'people' (500 baht to sell your soul).

Edited March 29, 201016 yr by Loaded

Good move to consolidate this.

I am sure I can hear the legal wheels grinding!

Shouldn't some police officers be named in this case too? You know, the ones that gave the club the continuous passing grades in construction standards and public safety standards?

I remember hearing that someone in the higher up of the police have some shares.

Is that it?

April 8th & nothing?

Reports in today's papers that the Southern Bangkok Criminal Court will meet tomorrow (20/09/11) at 9:00 am to deliver the verdict on the 7 defendants accused in the Santika fire. They deny all charges.

http://www.thairath.co.th/content/region/202941

please continue:

Bangkok Santika Pub Fire Verdict Today

Follow this link:

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