The Royal Thai Police will summon Chitpong "Nut" Khattapong for questioning, according to Trairong Phiewphan, spokesperson for the force, on 15/7. Chitpong identified himself as an army lieutenant and was seen at the scene of the Na Ladprao pub fire in Bangkok during the early morning of 13/7, even engaging in conversation with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
Thai police plan to interrogate Chitpong regarding the statements he made at the scene. If investigators determine that Chitpong intentionally provided false information about the fire, they may consider legal action against him.
Chitpong drew attention by wearing a military uniform with "army" insignia and a tactical helmet. He consistently stood near Prime Minister Anutin at the fire scene and even spoke to the press.
 |
Chitpong, in military uniform, appears next to Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul (in a blue shirt) at the scene of the Na Ladprao pub fire in Bangkok. Photo: Thaiger
Nattawin Thongyoy, a reporter for ThaiRath newspaper, stated that the man introduced himself as Lieutenant Nut from the Military Technical Training School (MTTS) and claimed to have been a candidate for the Bangkok city council. He also asserted that he possessed 18 years of search and rescue experience.
However, search and rescue personnel at the Na Ladprao pub later confirmed that the man did not belong to any emergency response team and was not assigned to any duty.
Chitpong is also suspected of spreading unverified information about the fire. For instance, he claimed that the owner of the Na Ladprao pub collected money from customers during the evacuation and that emergency exits were locked to prevent patrons from leaving without paying.
 |
Chitpong poses for a photo next to Prime Minister Anutin at the fire scene. Photo: Thaiger
After causing a stir on social media, Chitpong denied intentionally spreading false information. He stated that his comments to the media were based on his own understanding and assumptions at the time.
Explaining why he wore a military uniform despite not being military personnel, Chitpong said he had just returned from an airsoft competition. He claimed he went directly to the fire scene to "volunteer for rescue efforts" and had not yet changed out of his military-style attire.
Thai officials stated today that at least 32 people died in the Na Ladprao pub fire, which occurred in northern Bangkok during the night of 12/7 and early morning of 13/7.
Dozens of people are being treated in hospitals, many with serious injuries. Officials are investigating whether blocked emergency exits were a factor contributing to the high casualties in the blaze.
Ngoc Anh (According to AFP, Thaiger)
