Two get jail sentence over Santika Pub tragedy
The Criminal Court yesterday sentenced the executives of Santika Pub and a specialeffect company to three years in jail for their recklessness that led to 63 deaths and the injuries of so many victims in an inferno.
The jail term was handed down to Wisuk Sretsawas, executive of Santika Pub, and Boonchu Laoseenart, executive of Focus Light Sound System Co Ltd.
Boonchu and his company were also ordered to pay Bt8.7 million compensation to five of plaintiffs.
Four other defendants, the pub's employees and a singer, were acquitted.
During a countdown party to Year 2009 at the Santika Pub, a specialeffect item went wrong and spread the fire throughout the upscale nighttime entertainment venue. The lack of clear signs of fire exits and automatic fireextinguishing system, inadequate emergency lighting, the use of flammable materials for interior design, as well as overcrowding at the pub were blamed for the huge casualties.
While doors at the place would allow up to 408 people to rush out safely, there were more than 1,000 people at the Santika Pub at the time the fire erupted.
The blaze started from the late night of December 31, 2008 and dragged on to the following day.
The inferno killed 67 people and injured 103 other victims. Of the injured, 32 have sustained serious injuries.
The Criminal Court yesterday handed down the guilty verdict to three of the seven defendants in a packed courtroom. More than 100 people including Santika Pub victims and their relatives crowded inside.
According to the court, this case is expected to remind other entrepreneurs that they must always keep the safety of their customers in mind. Due to their recklessness, Wisuk's and Boonchu's were given a jail term. It was not suspended.
Wisuk, who had already paid Bt3.39 million in compensation to some of the victims, said he disagreed with the court's ruling.
"I will definitely lodge an appeal," he said.
Wisuk was released on Bt1million bail yesterday.
Public prosecutor Reucha Krairerk said