Update on the fire incident at "Na Lat Phrao Brewery". Reports confirm two additional deaths, both customers using the service, raising the total fatalities to 41. Meanwhile, the account manager insists he never paid bribes to the police and suggests inquiries be directed to the shop owner.
On 18 August 2026, amid rumors about the brewery’s account information, "Na Lat Phrao Brewery", an investigative team contacted “Mr. New,” a close associate of the owner and the account manager, who stated he has already given testimony to the police and firmly denied any knowledge or involvement in payments to the police, as his duties are limited to daily income and expense management.
Mr. New said he handed over his mobile phone and all related account data to the police for investigation. Whether payments to police occurred must be confirmed with the owner. He also emphasized he is not the shop manager but merely a close associate handling accounts.
Police Major General Kiattikul Sonthienr, Commander of Metropolitan Police Division 2, revealed a three-pronged investigation has been established covering the fire incident, police disciplinary issues regarding negligence, and allegations of extortion. The extortion matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), with police gradually submitting store staff statements and data for review.
Should police officers under Division 2 or personnel from other agencies be implicated, interrogations and further action will depend on the PACC, while Division 2 police are responsible for case and disciplinary proceedings.
It has been reported that the PACC summoned Mr. New and store employees for questioning. Examination of Mr. New’s phone uncovered evidence of a money transfer last week, indicating payments to police, but the recipients have yet to be identified. Additional fact-finding is ongoing.
Reporters also noted that Police Commando Corporal Thanakorn Phetthong, age 23, died peacefully in the intensive care unit at Police Hospital after prolonged treatment for severe burn injuries from the fire. Corporal Thanakorn had served as the brewery’s security guard during the incident. His body was found near the second exit hall before being taken to the hospital, but his injuries proved fatal. He is the 39th fatality from the 12 July fire at Na Lat Phrao Brewery.
News indicates that Corporal Thanakorn "Moo Dan" Phetthong’s family received his body for religious rites in their hometown of Ranong Province, with cremation scheduled at Matchimket Temple on 23 August. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Justice’s Office for Financial Assistance to Victims and Defendants has reported disbursing over 11 million baht in compensation to victims' families and the injured from the brewery fire case.
Latest case developments from the investigative team of Division 2 police confirm the death toll remains at 41. The two most recent victims are a male customer receiving critical care at Rajavithi Hospital and a female customer critically injured at Taksin Hospital.