The Criminal Court Monday merged three cases relating to the Santika Pub fire into one, to speed up the litigation process.
The merging request came from public prosecutors for the plaintiff, and all defendants had no objection.
Currently, the plaintiff and coplaintiffs plan to bring 243 people to the witness stand while seven defendants in the case also offer to provide a large number of witnesses.
The next hearing session will take place on April 8.
The case relates to a fire which raged through the upscale Santika Pub in Bangkok during a countdown party to celebrate New Year 2009. The incident killed 66 people and injured many others.
Relatives of some victims have become coplaintiffs in the case.
The seven defendants are Thawatchai Srithumma, the pub's director of operations, Pongthep Jinda, the pub's entertainment manager, Wuttipong Wailikree, the pub's marketing manager, Wisuk Setsawat, the pub's executive, Burn lead singer Sarawut Ariya, who allegedly lit a firework during the party, Focus Light Sound System, which arranged specialeffects for the party and the company's executive Boonchu Laosinart.
The defendants are facing charges of recklessness that led to death, serious injuries and property damage.
Some were also charged with illegally allowing people younger than 20 into the pub.
The defendants have denied any wrongdoing.
