Bangkok Pub Owner Charged as Fire Death Toll Climbs to 41

Thai police have submitted charges against the owner of a Bangkok pub where a fire last month killed 41 people, making it the country's deadliest blaze in five years. The charges include negligence causing death, serious injury, physical and mental harm, and operating an entertainment venue without a license, according to Police Major General Kiatikul Sonthinern, the district police commander.

The owner, however, remains hospitalized and was unable to acknowledge the charges, Kiatikul said on Tuesday. The death toll has risen to 41, with 10 people still in hospital, according to the Bangkok Emergency Medical Centre.

The fire broke out at the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub in Bangkok's northern Chatuchak district. Investigators determined the cause was an electrical short circuit resulting from unauthorized modifications to the electrical system. Experts noted that non-fire-retardant foam and plastic decor contributed to extreme heat and toxic smoke.

In response, the government has pledged to tighten regulations, including conducting random inspections at entertainment venues to ensure safety compliance.