Beer Bar Cashier Denies Locking Doors During Fire
A beer bar cashier in Ladprao denied locking doors during a July 15 fire, saying flames erupted from the ceiling within seconds and customers fled immediately without obstruction.
A cashier at a beer bar in Ladprao has given his account of the night of the fire, stating he heard someone shout about the blaze and saw flames erupt from the ceiling within less than 20 seconds. He denies allegations that the establishment locked doors to prevent customers from leaving without paying their bills.
On July 15, Nontom Thanomwong, who had worked at the Ladprao beer bar for approximately one year, met with investigators from Phahon Yothin Police Station to provide his statement and retrieve his personal belongings left inside the establishment.
Nontom revealed that on the night of the incident, while he was working inside the bar, he heard a younger colleague shout "Fire!" Startled, he looked toward the ceiling of the central stage area and saw smoke beginning to form. He immediately ran toward the kitchen exit, and within less than 20 seconds, flames burst out from the ceiling area rapidly. It is believed that at the time of the fire, the bar owner was in the central area of the establishment and was sitting drinking.
Regarding the issue of collecting payment from customers, which drew attention after the incident, Nontom clarified that the bar's system collects payment from customers only once. Bills are gradually cleared starting around midnight as part of the establishment's normal procedure before closing at approximately 2:00 a.m. The fire occurred during the time when staff were clearing bills as usual around that time.
Concerning allegations that the bar locked doors to prevent customers from escaping without paying for food and drinks, Nontom stated that he does not know where such reports came from. From his perspective working there, it does not seem to be true, as everyone was fleeing during that period.
As for the bathroom exit door with a fire escape, Nontom explained that it is opened only when staff enter and exit before work begins. Once the bar opens to customers, it is closed because it is not the main entrance. He suggested that details about this may need to be clarified with the cleaning staff or those directly responsible.
Regarding the sprinkler system, Nontom admitted that he has no knowledge of it as he is only a cashier. During his one year of employment, he was never aware of any electrical system problems in the bar. Fire extinguishers are installed at various points throughout the establishment as normal procedure.
