Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation is considering whether to treat the deadly Mountain B pub fire as a special case, meaning it would be investigated by the DSI.
DSI Director-General Triyarith Temahivong said today (Wednesday) that several relatives of the fire’s victims had asked the DSI to take over the investigation from local police in Sattahip district in Chon Buri province.
He explained that, for a crime to be treated as a special case to be investigated by the DSI, it must be proven that someone with influence has interfered with the case or investigation in a way which could complicate or compromise the investigation by local police.
Another condition is that there must be many victims involved, said Triyarith, adding that the department’s screening committee is currently considering the case.
Twenty-two fire victims of the blaze have died so far, most from severe burns. Some others are still being treated in hospitals, with six on ventilators.
The fire occurred on the night of August 5th, Over 100 people were in the pub at the time.