Unofficial investigation of Santika Pub case released

Unofficial investigation of Santika Pub case released

Result of the unofficial investigation of the Santika Pub fire has been s released, revealing that at least three officials are found guilty for neglecting their duties.

Permanent Secretary for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) Pongsak Semson revealed the unofficial investigation of Santika Pub case in public works and financial aspects that building inspector, building construction chief and public works chief were found guilty.

The committee inspecting on public works is chaired by Mr Chatnai Navaphut, Director of the BMA’s Public Works Department and comprises representatives from the Ministry of Justice while tax issue is inspected by representatives from the Ministry of Finance.

The three officials are found guilty for neglecting their duties of inspecting the building which was not constructed according to the approved construction draft.

Moreover, other persons, who are at risk of being found guilty in the case are the District Director at that time and other public works officials who were responsible for the documents due to the lost of the construction draft.

The result of the investigation will be forwarded to M.R Sukhumbhand Paribatra, the current Bangkok Governor and the Personnel Department to check the wordings if there are enough evidence to take disciplinary actions or to inquire any related persons or not.

For environmental inspection conducted by environmental officials, it needs revision on the law since Santika Pub had not asked for permission to conduct the business as an entertainment spot. Therefore, officials were not aware of Santika as an entertainment spot and did not inspect the pub accordingly.

Another committee inspecting the tax case of Santika Pub also found an abnormality as there was a tax collection after the pub was burned down already. The committee will keep investigating the issue and complete the report as soon as possible.

09 March 2009
National News Bureau of Thailand