Public prosecutors yesterday charged three Santika Pub executives and the "Burn" lead singer over the 2009 New Year's Eve inferno that killed 66 partygoers and injured dozens of others.
Thawatchai Thumma, general manager of the club premises, Putthipong Wilakkree, marketing manager and Pongthep Chinda, entertainment manager, and singer Sarawut Ariya who lit the fireworks during his performance, were charged with recklessness causing deaths and severe injury.
Two other executives, Wisuth Setsawat and Suriya Ritrabue, as well as Boonchoo Laosinat of Focus Light System, which provided special effects for the event, requested a prosecution postponement for another week on grounds of sickness, said special case attorney Rakhom Kosiyanant. Thong Lor police investigators must bring these three to appear on the same charges within 15 days, he added. Wisuth would also be charged with allowing persons under 17 into the premises and permitting drugs use.
After explaining the charges to the four defendants who maintained their innocence, the Southern Bangkok Criminal Court granted the four defendants bail of Bt500,000 each. The court set a trial date at March 29.
