Relatives of Nonthaburi jail fire victims to get compensation

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Relatives of Nonthaburi jail fire victims to get compensation
The Nation



NONTHABURI: -- The relatives of four detainees who died in a fire at Sai Noi police station in Nonthaburi last Saturday night will be compensated and the officers deemed responsible for their deaths will be punished, Deputy Prime Minister Pracha Promnok said yesterday.

Pracha also expressed condolences to the grieving families and said police would not neglect the case. It would be determined later whether the deaths were the result of neglect of duty, carelessness or uncontrollable factors, he added.

An investigation into the incident is underway after a committee was set up yesterday, said National Police chief Adul Saengsingkaew, who said those found responsible would be disciplined and prosecuted.

Asked about complaints by relatives that policemen had not done enough to release the detainees from the lock-up during the fire, Adul said: "We are waiting for the investigation results."

He said preventive measures would be worked out and would become standard practice, while police officers on duty would be instructed to follow them and fire drills would be conducted. Asked whether the station chief would also be held responsible, Adul said it would be known soon.

A senior investigator, Pol Maj-General Piya Sontrakool, said it would take around 10 days for the probe to be completed. He said a police sergeant on duty was trying to help out the detainees but could not brave the heat and smoke in the room where the four were held. The unnamed sergeant suffered minor burns, Piya added.

National Human Rights Commissioner Parinya Sirisarakarn suggested that police learn from this tragic lesson and increase safety measures to protect detainees.

"There should be safety measures and cell improvements," Parinya said, adding that the police officers who hold the cell keys should be authorised to release the suspects in the event of a fire or other emergency, without risk of being disciplined.

"But it should be done carefully to prevent suspects from starting fires in a bid to escape," he warned.

-- The Nation 2013-07-09

[theblether]

I bet they pick uncontrollable factors.

[NongKhaiKid]

" Compensation " is that a euphemism for hush money ?

[Thai at Heart]

Forget compensation. How about the coppers get some basic fire training as a start.

[chooka]

Their number one priority should have been the welfare of the prisoners. The moment smoke was detected the prisoners should have been immediately removed from the cells to a safe area even if it turned out to be a non event. When police have someone in custody they take priority over everything.

[twinpin]

Looks like a motorcycle workshop. Maybe they were fixing them for the wardens. Petrol and a fag lethal combination.

[noitom]

A Thai police "runner" sets a terrible example. It's a national disgrace.

[wxpwzrd]

Punished = Moved to different location and still paid to carry a gun and extort money...

Compensated = Paid off to shut up...

[drdoom6996]

It would be determined later whether the deaths were the result of neglect of duty, carelessness or uncontrollable factors, he added.

I think I know which it will be, do you?

[Soikhaonoiken]

Punished ! realy means moved to an inactive post ? ?