Postcards From The Edge: Thailand

For many families in Thailand, New Year’s Eve will never be the same again and visions of their loved ones struggling but failing to escape the deadly flames of the Santika night club [1] will make 2009 a very painful year. For the many survivors, some scarred physically and the majority mentally, the images of that night will forever remain in their memories. What makes this tragedy even more devastating is that it clearly could have been avoided. Chief Policeman Jongrak Juthanont confirmed this when he stated immediately after the incident that the high death toll had been caused by sub-standard safety measures. This statement will further fuel the anger of relatives who by now know this awful loss of life was caused by pure negligence.

Not only did the club not have insurance, it did not have an operating licence and was admitting underage customers. The club was refused a nightclub licence in 2003 after the government introduced zoning in Bangkok and then obtained a licence as a night time food spot with permission to open only until midnight. The New Year’s Eve party was to be the last party at Santika, as the lease was due to expire. Santika was operating with only one way in or out of the club. Apparently, there was an alternative exit at the back of the club, but this was exclusively used by employees. There was reportedly one fire extinguisher available, however reports suggested the fire spread so quickly I doubt if any more would have made a difference.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajivas [2] has called for a ban on the use of flammable devices such as the sparklers and fireworks used inside Santika  and other night spots, but it is all too little too late. The simple question of how on earth this venue could operate as a well know high society night spot for five years without anyone realising the venue was unlicensed as a club remains unanswered. The likely answer is that people high up in the pecking order did know but turned a blind eye, taking some sort of illicit fee for their cooperation. Some may question this as unsubstantiated speculation, but I ask myself this: if I can get into any taxi in Bangkok and ask to be taken to the Santika nightclub, how is it possible the health and safety bureau, law enforcement office or any government official never questioned the status of this club? You only had to visit to the santikaclub.com [3] website to know the venue was operating as more than a food outlet. Sixty four people have died because specific individuals have failed to do what they are paid to do and protect the public from such tragedies.

Club owner Wisuk Setsawat is set to be prosecuted once he recovers from his injuries, but I want to know who else is going to have their head on the block. This is Abhisit Vejjajivas’s first real chance to prove to the people that he will not stand for corruption and neglect of responsibility within the Thai civil service.

Lately, it has not only rained upon Thailand, it has poured down. The Thai tourist board has its work cut out this year. This is another incident that will discourage holiday makers from visiting the country and the capital in particular. Santika should serve as a lesson for entertainment venues across the country, but sadly, in this densely populated city where time and regulation means expenditure, consideration for others is not at the top of everyone’s agenda.

Following the fire, Santika posted the following message on its website:

"We are deeply saddened by this accident which took so many lives and left many more hospitalised. We would like to extend our sincere sympathy to all of you and your families and friends and we pray to God that He will help all of you overcome your pain and suffering quickly..." (Santikaclub.com)

Unfortunately, this message will be of no consolation to those who have lost loved ones in this quite unnecessary tragedy.

Words: Alfred James