Pub fire death toll rises to 32

Two more victims of the fire at Rong Beer Na Ladprao in Bangkok succumbed to their injuries during treatment in hospital, bringing the death toll to 32, with all identified. Pol Maj Gen Wirun Supasinghsiripreecha, commander of the institute at the Police General Hospital (PGH), confirmed the number on Wednesday morning. Of 32 victims, 27 died at the scene late on Sunday night, while five were treated for severe injuries at various hospitals before being pronounced dead. Relatives of the victims continued to arrive throughout the morning to claim their loved ones' bodies. A total of 28 have been released over the past three days. Family members and colleagues of a police officer, Sitthichok Butthitak, who died on the night of the incident in Chatuchak district, were the first to receive a body on Wednesday. They told reporters that he had served in the police force for just over a year and was deeply loved by people surround him. His body will be taken to his hometown in Kalasin province for funeral rites. Pol Maj Gen Wirun confirmed that all 32 victims have now been positively identified, and authorities expect to return all remaining bodies to their families by the end of Wednesday. Regarding the progress of the investigation, at least 51 people have been interviewed, according to the Metropolitan Police Division 2. These included business operators, employees of the venue, relatives of deceased and injured patrons and officials who participated in the scene inspection. On Thursday, the investigative and inquiry teams will meet with building and electrical system experts. Information and CCTV footage from around the incident site have been gathered as evidence while officers were continuing to interview all injured survivors to obtain statements and testimony for inclusion in the case file. Subscribe to our newsletters for daily updates, breaking news and exclusive content.