Bangkok: The Consumer Protection Board is urgently assisting victims of the brewery fire. Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office and overseeing the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB), expressed her deepest condolences regarding the fire at the Beer Garden entertainment venue in Lat Phrao, which resulted in numerous deaths and injuries. She also revealed that the Prime Minister has instructed all relevant agencies to urgently assist those affected, care for the injured, provide support to the families of the deceased, and investigate the facts of the incident promptly.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Supamas has instructed Mr. Ronnarong Poolpipat, Secretary-General of the Consumer Protection Board, along with Mr. Sarun Rakphao, Deputy Secretary-General of the Consumer Protection Board, to lead a team of Consumer Protection Board officials in coordinating with the Chatuchak District Office to inspect the scene of the incident. They were also tasked with coordinating with relevant agencies to expedite assistance to those affected. She assigned Mr. Pradermchai Boonchuaylue, Advisor to the Minister of the Prime Minister, and Ms. Patcharin Samsiripong, Secretary to the Minister of the Prime Minister, to monitor the operation and report progress continuously to the Minister.
To assist those affected, the Consumer Protection Board (CPB), in collaboration with the Chatuchak District Office, has established a "Complaint and Assistance Coordination Center for Victims (Front Line)" at Phahonyothin MRT Station. This center will receive complaints, documents, and evidence, provide legal advice, and facilitate the process for injured individuals and relatives of those who died in exercising their rights to claim compensation.
Ms. Supamas stated that those who used the services of the establishments are considered consumers with the right to safety and legal protection. Therefore, she instructed the Consumer Protection Board (CPB) to act as an intermediary to coordinate between the victims and the business operators, expediting the negotiation, mediation, and compensation process. This ensures that those affected receive fair and timely compensation for medical expenses, damaged property, and other related damages.
Furthermore, the Consumer Protection Board (CPB) will coordinate with investigators and relevant agencies to gather facts and evidence for legal action. If the investigation reveals that consumers have suffered damages and the business operator fails to take responsibility or refuses to provide compensation, the CPB is prepared to exercise its legal authority to file civil lawsuits to claim damages on behalf of consumers. This ensures that affected individuals and their families receive fair compensation without incurring legal costs. As for criminal liability, the investigators at Phaholyothin Police Station will continue to handle that aspect.
'The most important thing right now is to ensure that the injured and the families of the deceased receive full assistance. The Consumer Protection Board will stand by the victims, coordinate compensation, provide legal advice, and utilize legal mechanisms to fully protect consumer rights. If the victims do not receive justice, the Consumer Protection Board is ready to take legal action to the fullest extent,' Ms. Supamas said.
The Consumer Protection Board (CPB) expresses its deepest condolences to the bereaved family and invites those affected or their relatives to file complaints at the Complaint and Disaster Relief Coordination Center (Front Line) at Phahonyothin MRT Station. For further information, please contact the CPB hotline 1166, the OCPB Connect application, the website www.ocpb.go.th, or the Damrongtham Centers nationwide.