(UPDATED ON JANUARY 5, 2009)
SANTIKA NIGHTCLUB SHAREHOLDER SAYS ‘SORRY’
In an emotional address to the public, a major shareholder of Santika Nightclub said he was extremely sorry to the families of the victims, who were killed or injured in the massive fire on New Year’s Day. On Thai TV Santika Nightclub shareholder Wisuk Setsawat, who was clearly distressed, appeared as though he was about to faint. He was escorted away by friends. Mr Wisuk has testified about the Bangkok blaze to Thai Police at the Thong Lor Police Station. Police General Jongrak stated that Mr Wisuk was questioned as a witness and not a suspect. Meanwhile, legal action is proceeding against Suriya Ritrabue, the managing director of White & Brothers (2003) Co, who is the registered owner of Santika Nightclub. Incredibly, Santika Nightclub was registered as a noodle shop, which was only permitted to sell food until midnight. Thai Police forensic experts continue to search for clues as to what caused the deadly inferno. Sadly, some families have still not found their loved ones.
BANGKOK (AFP) – The Bangkok nightclub fire death toll has risen to 64 dead with over 220 people injured. Out of those injured in the Santika nightclub inferno, 35 victims remain in ICU. Among the dead are 9 bodies that are still unidentified. Currently 68 people injured in the Bangkok blaze remain in hospital. It is reported that 18 of them are foreigners.
Meanwhile Thai Police are trying to contact the Santika Nightclub owners. According to Thai Police sources, the Santika owners have until Wednesday to come forward. Members of the Thai emergency services, said that the horrific scenes at the Santika Nightclub fire, was the most disturbing they had ever encountered.
News sources are THE NATION and the BANGKOK POST
