Bangkok: Relatives sobbed as they gradually received the bodies of victims from the "Na Lat Phrao Brewery" fire. 29 bodies have been autopsied, but the identities of 4 remain unknown, pending contact from relatives to verify their identities.
According to Thai News Agency, a somber atmosphere has prevailed at the Forensic Medicine Institute of the Police Hospital since this morning. Families and relatives of those who died in the brewery fire at Lat Phrao have been arriving to collect the bodies for religious ceremonies, amidst the cries of relatives and close friends who are still struggling to cope with the sudden loss.
Officials collected DNA samples from families to compare and verify the identity of the bodies brought in for autopsy. The first body to be released was that of Mr. Chidchanok Chuanram, 24 years old. His father and aunt came to claim the body. As soon as the coffin was brought out, his father and aunt could not hold back their tears, weeping with grief and calling out his name, urging him to return to the temple with them for religious ceremonies at Wat Saphan Sung in Bang Sue district.
Police Major General Wirun Suphasinghsiripreecha, Commander of the Forensic Science Institute, Police Hospital, revealed the progress of the autopsy, stating that the forensic medical team has expedited the examination of the deceased's body from the scene. However, some parts of the body were heavily damaged by fire and smoke, making it crucial to emphasize the accuracy of the DNA testing process for identification purposes.
According to information from the Forensic Medicine Institute, Police Hospital, as of 8:30 AM, a total of 29 deaths have been reported. 25 bodies have been identified, 8 have been returned, and 4 bodies remain unidentified (1 male and 3 females).
Meanwhile, the Poh Teck Tung Foundation has provided facilitating staff, including Ms. Athicha Theskham, a presenter from the evening news program on Channel 9 MCOT HD, who volunteered to do makeup for the deceased. In addition, service points have been set up to provide funeral assistance to the relatives of the deceased (20,000 baht per person) and injured (5,000 baht), and to offer free transportation of bodies to their hometowns in all cases. Relatives have continuously contacted the foundation requesting this service, both in Bangkok and other provinces.