Police are considering three serious charges against the owners and partners of the Lat Phrao Beer Hall, awaiting autopsy results and on-site investigation findings to support the case. Investigations are accelerating after interviewing 34 witnesses, while allegations of operating beyond legal hours remain under factual review.
At 12:00 on 14 July 2026, following a meeting led by Pol. Maj. Gen. Pallop Aermla, Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, the fire investigation team for the Lat Phrao Beer Hall convened for over three hours at Phahonyothin Police Station. Afterwards, Pol. Maj. Gen. Kiatkul Sontinern, Commander of Metropolitan Police Division 2, was assigned to provide a progress briefing on the case.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Kiatkul said that after the morning meeting with the Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, he was ordered to expedite the investigation. Another meeting with investigators and the investigative team is scheduled for 19:00 today to review and assess the collected evidence.
Initially, police divided witnesses into six groups: 1. Business operators and owners, 2. In-house staff such as servers, cashiers, and security guards, 3. Musicians, 4. Relatives of the deceased and injured, 5. Forensic doctors, and 6. Forensic officers, investigators at the scene, rescue units, district officials, electricity authorities, and agencies responsible for permits and building inspections. So far, 34 out of about 70 witnesses have been interviewed, all contributing valuable information to the case.
Regarding charges against the operators, Pol. Maj. Gen. Kiatkul said it was too early to determine which offenses apply. Authorities must gather all evidence, including witness statements, scene inspections, and forensic results, before assessing potential violations of building control laws, negligence causing death or injury, arson-related offenses, or other relevant laws.
The investigation covers two main areas: 1. The fire's cause, which is under forensic examination, with the third and final evidence collection scheduled today, and 2. The cause of death, relying on autopsy results from forensic doctors. Both sets of findings will be combined to determine the liability and applicable offenses for those involved.
Investigators are also reviewing the building's construction history, renovations, ownership changes, business licenses, and prior government inspections. They are comparing the building's condition before and after the incident and checking if evacuation drills, fire escape routes, exit doors, signage, and safety equipment met required standards. Any deficiencies contributing to deaths or injuries could lead to additional charges.
Authorities plan to summon relevant government officials for questioning and review the latest building inspection documents, reportedly conducted in April 2026. They will also verify whether the business licenses and building usage permissions complied with legal standards. Any violations found may result in legal proceedings.
The business operators and partners have contacted investigators and plan to submit documentation for explanation. Registration records show two individuals involved, but the injured owner remains in ICU and cannot provide testimony. Meanwhile, the surviving partner has also reached out to investigators.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Kiatkul additionally revealed that two patrol officers from Phahonyothin Police Station who assisted victims suffered smoke inhalation injuries and are currently hospitalized at the Police General Hospital.
Regarding suspicions about operating beyond legal hours, police are verifying facts based on all available evidence. The fire was reported at approximately 23:40.
The current death toll stands at 30, with 76 injured. Three to four additional fatalities are pending identification. The business owner remains alive but is still receiving treatment in the ICU.
At 12:30, forensic police officers returned to Lat Phrao Beer Hall for a third round of evidence collection, focusing on the ceiling area where combustible debris was found, and the rear door reportedly locked during the incident.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Watee Asawutmangkul, Commander of the Central Forensic Division, updated that on 13 July, investigators coordinated with the business's electricians and interior contractors to identify electrical wiring points within the scene. Severe fire damage to the ceiling made precise wiring locations unclear. The area remains sealed to prevent alterations until structural engineers can inspect and remove ceiling panels for detailed examination. Scheduling depends on coordination with investigators.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Watee also reported that forensic officers recovered critical evidence, notably CCTV footage, which the computer forensics team worked overnight to retrieve and review.
The recovery and verification process has now concluded. The forensic team will prepare a report and deliver all CCTV footage to investigators today for case use. Details of any irregular activities captured will be officially reviewed and reported later.