Police to Investigate Man Who Impersonated Officer at Bar Fire

Police are preparing to investigate a man who appeared at the Ladprao beer hall fire scene and provided information to Prime Minister Anusit Charnvirakul, with authorities warning that if he impersonated an officer for attention or other motives, he will face prosecution. The fire, which killed 30 people and injured many others, drew attention when an unidentified man in military-style clothing gave interviews to media and stood near the Prime Minister while providing detailed information. The man has been identified as would-be Lieutenant Chitpong Kattapong, a candidate for Bangkok's Phayathai precinct election.

On July 14, Deputy National Police Chief Trirongphan Phiwphan announced that all individuals present at the fire scene are considered witnesses and will be questioned by investigators. He stated that the man in military-style clothing will be examined carefully to determine if he is actually an officer or an outsider impersonating one. "If investigation shows he is not a real official but falsely claimed military status to create a situation or seek attention, police will immediately apply relevant laws and pursue legal action without exception," Trirongphan said.

Regarding the information the man provided to the Prime Minister and media, authorities will review all his statements and cross-check them against facts to assess his intent and take appropriate legal action. Investigators plan to scrutinize his statements from the day of the incident to determine whether he acted with any ulterior motive.